Shillong, Nov 23: National People’s Party (NPP) candidate and Chief Minister Conrad Sangma’s wife, Mehtab Chandee Sangma won the Gambegre by election.

Mehtab defeated her closest rival Sadhiarani Sangma of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) by a margin of 4594 votes.

The NPP candidate secured 12666 votes, while Sadhiarani of the AITC got 8075 votes.

Congress’, Jingjang Marak got 7687 votes. Previously the seat was held by Saleng A Sangma of the Congress but he had to vacate the seat after won the Tura Lok Sabha seat.

BJP candidate Bernard Marak got only 710 faring better by only four votes against independent candidate Jerry Sangma who secured 706 votes.

Another independent candidate Sengkrabirth Marak got 147 votes while 95 votes went to NOTA.

Mehtab while speaking to reporters said that the message is loud and clear that people have voted for change and development.

“Previously we could never win this seat but the people of Gambegre have voted for change. The whole of Garo Hills and Meghalaya is experiencing it at the moment with the NPP in the government and we will do our best to ensure that we do the best for the people,” the newly elected MLA said.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister and National president of the NPP said that it was heartening to see that people voted for development even as he added that the party will ensure that the party will do whatever possible to fulfil the promises.

“There are many challenges but we will do our best to serve the people of Gambegre,” he said.

Sangma also thank all the party workers, leaders, MLAs and MDCs who worked hard to ensure that their candidate wins.