NPP emerges single largest party in JHADC, Cong in KHADC

SHILLONG, MAR 2: In a major boost to the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA), the National People’s Party (NPP) and United Democratic Party (UDP) are all set to form the new government in the two autonomous district councils of Khasi and Jaintia Hills region after winning the elections, the results of which were declared here on Saturday.

While the ruling NPP emerged as the single largest party by winning 12 seats in the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC), the opposition Congress is also leading as largest party in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) by winning 10 seats.

On the other hand, the NPP could managed to win only 7 of the 29 seats in the KHADC, while the opposition Congress with only 4 of 29 seats in the JHADC.

The United Democratic Party (UDP), the main ally of the MDA, bagged as many as 10 seats in the JHADC and 6 in the KHADC.

The other MDA partners like the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) however could manage to get only 2 seats while the People’s Democratic Front (PDF) with one seat in the KHADC.

With today’s results, the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council also witnessed the return of veteran political leaders.

These include UDP leader and former West Shillong legislator Paul Lyngdoh, HSPDP leader Martle M Mukhim and Congress leader Ronnie V Lyngdoh.

Paul won the Jaiaw seat by defeating his closest rival Congress candidate Auguster Jyrwa by a margin of 771 votes, while Martle defeated cabinet minister Banteidor Lyngdoh’s wife Amanda Pakyntein by 1245 votes from Mawkynrew constituency.

Ronnie, a former Mylliem legislator, also defeated KHADC deputy chief executive member Teilinia S Thangkhiew by 2115 votes.

Former KHADC chief Pynshngainlang N Syiem also came out victorious when he defeated the sitting PDF member of Mawkhar-Pynthorumkrah James Ban Basaiawmoit by 240 votes.

Syiem had decided not to contest from Mawsynram constituency after he lost the 2018 Assembly elections and the Ranikor bye-election.

Two MLAs – Lambor Malngiang, an independent legislator from Nongkrem and chairman of state planning board, and NPP legislator from Mawshynrut Gigur Myrthong – also won the elections.

While Malngiang won the Nongkrem seat by defeating his opponent Congress candidate Lambor Nongrum by 801 votes and Myrthong won the Mawshynrut seat by defeating Congress candidate Srally Rashir by over 2000 votes.

KHADC chairman and UDP leader Teinwell Dkhar however retained his Shella seat for the five consecutive times by defeating his closest rival by a margin of 228 votes.

The women candidate who got elected to the 29-member KHADC include sitting Nongshken MDC Grace Mary Kharpuri from the Congress party and Macdalyn S Mawlong of the PDF from Umsning constituency.

Meanwhile, Independent candidate Lakhon Dkhar became a giant killer when he won the Sohmynting Khliehtyrshi seat by defeating the JHADC chief executive member Madonbai Rymbai.

Two former JHADC chiefs Thombor Shiwat of the NPP and Awhai Andrew Shullai (INC) retained their Nartiang-Umladang seat and Jowai Central seat respectively while former Mookaiaw legislator Robinus Syngkon (NPP) won the Raliang seat.

Most of the sitting MDCs of the JHADC were defeated in the just concluded council’s polls.

The winning candidates include Gillroy Tariang (NPP) – War East, Holando Lamin (INC) – War Central, Het Pohthmi (NPP)-War West, Ailad Bhoi (IND)-Mukhla Wahiajer, Jesse Suiam (NPP)-Ummulong Moodymmai, Lakhon Biam (UDP)-Nongbah, Eveningstar Teron (NPP)-Nongjngi, Dawan Lyngdoh (UDP)-Mynsngad Khanduli, Ruda Ioo Tang (NPP)-Shilliang Myntang, Aiborlang Shadap (INC)-Barato Mukroh, Habahun Dkhar (NPP)-Saphai, Winning G. Sungoh (UDP)-Mowkaiaw, J.Treilang Suchiang (UDP)-Shangpung, Brightstar Chyrmang (NPP)-Jowai North, Saron Paswet (NPP)-Jowai South, Lomris Lyngdoh (UDP)-Muthlong Sohkymphor, Lasky Rymbai (UDP)- Tuber, Phasmon Dkhar (NPP)-Musniang Rngat, Finelyness Bareh (UDP)-Rymbai Khliehriat, Seiborlang Shadap NPP- Sutnga Narwan, Rechard Singh Lyngdoh IND- Sutnga Nongkhlieh, Rollingson Dkhar (NPP)- Sumer, Arbor Hima Darnei (INC)- Saipung, Emlangki Lamare (UDP)-Narpuh and Sankey Shangpung (UDP)-Bataw Lakadong,

By Our Reporter