NPP all set to stake claim to form new Govt, after emerging as single largest party in Meghalaya

SHILLONG, MAR 2: The National People’s Party (NPP) has emerged as the single largest party by winning 26 seats in the Assembly polls.

Counting of votes were held on Thursday.

Chief Minister and NPP national president, Conrad K Sangma managed to retain South Tura constituency and the party missed by five seats to reach the half way mark.

The United Democratic Party (UDP) got 11 seats, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) managed to bag two seats each.

The All India Trinamool Congress that split the Congress in 2021 and took its side as many as 12 MLAs, contested its debut election in Meghalaya this year, but won just five seats.

The Congress has not a single MLA before going the Assembly polls, got five seats but State Congress president and Shillong Lok Sabha MP, Vincent H Pala failed to win from his Sutnga-Saipung constituency.

The People’s Democratic Front (PDF) won only two seats, but new entrant Voice of the People Party (VPP) sprang surprise by winning 4 seats, including its President, Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit.

Meghalaya went to the polls on February 27, with 85.51% of the electorates exercised their franchise.

The performance of the NPP in this election is a major boost for Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, as he could win more seats from Garo Hills a clear indication that people reposed their faith in his leadership.

Meanwhile, sources within the NPP on Thursday informed that a delegation led by the NPP national president Conrad K Sangma will be meeting the Governor at the Raj Bhavan on Friday morning to stake claim to form the new government.

They said that the party is in touch with like minded political parties for forming the new government.

The BJP has extended support to the NPP for formation of government.

In a letter to NPP national chief, BJP state president Ernest Mawrie said, “…as per directions from the National President BJP, Shri JP Naddaji, I do hereby formally communicate with you and submit “a letter of support” for the institution of the new government as an outcome of the results of the just concluded Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Election, 2023.”

By Our Reporter