Shillong, Mar 3: United Democratic Party (UDP) legislator from Ranikor, Pius Marweiñ won the bye-election to Langrin seat of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) on Tuesday.

Pius defeated his closest rival, Jotin Khardewsaw of the opposition Congress by a margin of 6,979 votes.

The bye-election was held on February 28 and the result of which was declared on Tuesday. The Langrin seat fell vacant following the death of UDP sitting MDC Nasar Marwein on October, last year.

Khardewsaw, who was backed by former Ranikor legislator Martin M Danggo, who recently quit from the NPP, could secure only 6842 votes.

It may be mentioned here that Pius had defeated Danggo in the Ranikor Assembly bye-election held in 2018.

On the other hand, the NPP however came third when its candidate Kitborlang Nongrem secured only 3,222 votes.

Returning Officer, HS Diengdoh later handed over the certificate of election to the winning candidate.

Speaking to reporters, Pius said that today’s victory would further increase the strength of the UDP in the KHADC.

He also thanked the people of Langrin constituency for reposing their faith in the party and said that this was also possible due to the hardwork and dedication of the party leaders and supporters right from the state level to the zonal level.

He further assured to work hard for the interest of the people.

Meanwhile, the state government has imposed Governor’s Rule in the KHADC since February 7, citing political instability and frequent changing of allegiance by the elected members of the Council.

This decision has been challenged by the former KHADC chief and UDF leader Latiplang Kharkongor and the matter is still pending before the High Court of Meghalaya.