March 2, 2023 - Shillongtoday

NPP emerges 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.”

VPP submits petition to CEO, demand recounting of votes in Mylliem

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SHILLONG, MAR 2: The Voice of People Party (VPP) on Thursday sought recounting of votes polled by its candidate Aibandaplin F Lyngdoh from Mylliem constituency.

This was after the Congress candidate Ronnie V Lyngdoh was declared as elected from the constituency.

In a letter to the Chief Electoral Officer FR Kharkongor, VPP general secretary Dr Ricky AJ Syngkon said, “…on behalf of the party candidate Shrimati Aibandaplin F Lyngdoh, I request you to kindly recount the votes from Mylliem constituency on account of anomalies in the number of votes polled and voted counted.”

He said it has been noted by the counting agent of the party at table no 4 that the EVM of polling station no 44 Mawrie B was found to be in an ON mode which should have been on an OFF mode even before the counting started.

Furthermore, at polling station No 8 Nongkseh Pyrda and Lumpdeng B, the returning officer directed that the VVPAT slip be counted instead of the EVM which was reported to be having some technical snag. This matter we belief, should have been resolved and corrected at the right time so that counting be done from the EVM only.

“The above issues raises doubts the votes polled by our candidate. In the light of the above, we request you to kindly take immediate and necessary action,” Syngkon stated in the letter.

Post poll violence in Meghalaya: vehicles set ablaze in Mairang, curfew imposed in Sahshniang

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SHILLONG, MAR 2: Post-poll violence erupted in the state on Thursday after people were not satisfied with the results declared in three constituencies – Mariang, Shella and Mokaiaw.

Several vehicles were torched by an angry mob parked in the compound of the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Mairang, Eastern West Khasi Hills District.

The incident took place soon after the Congress supporters had gheraoed the DC’s office expressing dissatisfaction with the results.

UDP chief Metbah Lyngdoh was declared re-elected after he secured 19066 votes. He defeated his closest rival Batskhem Ryntathiang who got only 18911 votes.

Police also resorted to firing tear gas to disperse the violent crowd.

The compound of the DC’s office was also set on fire.

There has been no communication as to whether the district administration has imposed section 144 CrPC or not till filing of this report.

In a similar incident in Sohra, people also pelted stones at the office of the SDO Sohra after they were disappointed with the outcome of the result.

Sources said that water cannons had to be used to disperse the crowd. The situation is under control now and additional forces have been deployed, they said.

Meanwhile, West Jaintia Hills district administration has imposed a curfew in Sahsniang village with immediate effect.

The order was issued after a violent incident was reported in the village post counting.

The order said there is an apprehension that the violence may spread and intensify if

left unattended and may result in destruction of property and a possibility of a loss of lives, and

“I am satisfied that curfew may be declared in these areas to ensure that the violence is stopped immediately and that public peace is restored in the area,” the DC said in his order.

CEO directs Ri Bhoi DEO to conduct inquiry into violation of secrecy of voting in Mawhati

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SHILLONG, MAR 1: Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) FR Kharkongor has directed the Ri Bhoi district election officer to conduct an inquiry into alleged violation of secrecy of voting in a polling station under Mawhati constituency.

This came after a viral image was circulated in the social media, with a photograph allegedly depicting a voter pressing the ballot button, in favour of a particular candidate in the ballot unit, which tantamount to violation of secrecy of voting.

“In connection with the apparent violation above, which appears to be an aberration, and in you capacity as District Election Officer, Ri Bhoi District, where the above aberration appeared to have been committed, you are hereby directed to cause immediate inquiry, with a view to ascertain the facts of the above alleged violation, which reportedly occurred in 35-Shiliang Umdoh polling station under Mawhati Assembly constituency,” Kharkongor said.

The CEO directed the DEO to take strict action against the erring polling officials of the concerned polling station post inquiry.

“Penal action should also be initiated against the alleged voter who violated his secrecy of vote after ascertaining the necessary facts of the above case,” he said. He also directed the DEO to furnish the action taken report before March 3.