Meghalaya Assembly Election results 2018 counting updates: Hung House in state, Congress emerges as largest party with 21 seats

Congress to stake claim to form government in Meghalaya: Kamal Nath

The Congress will stake its claim to form the next government in Meghalaya later in the day, senior party leader Kamal Nath said, expressing confidence it would succeed in its mission.

“Well, we will make a claim to the governor on Saturday night and ask him to call us to form the government,” Nath, who has been despatched in Meghalaya along with senior leaders Ahmed Patel and Mukul Wasnik to try and form the government in Meghalaya which has returned a hung verdict.

He said Congress was in touch all the regional parties in Meghayala in its efforts to form the government.

IANS

Congress largest party in Meghalaya with 21 seats; NPP comes second

#MeghalayaElection2018: Congress wins 21, NPP 19, UDP 6, BJP 2 and Others 11 seats in Meghalaya Assembly Elections. pic.twitter.com/qQAG8IuqVs

— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2018

Amit Shah calls BJP’s performance shows people’s commitment to uproot ‘politics of appeasement’

The encouraging performance of BJP in Meghalaya is a reflection of people’s commitment to uproot the politics of appeasement and a leap towards PM @narendramodi's politics of development. I congratulate entire @bjp4meghalaya unit for this remarkable performance.

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 3, 2018

Meghalaya elects a hung Assembly with ruling Congress emerging as single largest party with 21 seats: Election Commission – PTI

Some of the highest and lowest margins seen so far in the elections

60: The number of seats by which NPP won in Nongstoin constituency

8181: UDP’s Kyrmen Shella won in Khiehrait constituency where BJP workers resigned enmass when Violet Lyngdoh was denied a seat. She went on to contest as NPP candidate and finished third, behind Justine Dkhar (BJP).

Input by 101Reporters

Ahmed Patel says Congress won’t involved in ‘horse-trading’ in Meghalaya

#JUSTIN | We are confident of forming govt in Meghalaya. We are not going to involve in horse-trading ... but I can’t say anything about @bjp4india: @ahmedpatel, Congress | #ElectionsWithNews18 pic.twitter.com/jRtv8aIiRX

— News18 (@CNNnews18) March 3, 2018

Amit Shah talks on BJP’s governance in other states

Even if we don't count Meghalaya, BJP & NDA has governance in 21 states across the nation today. Mandate after mandate has been in the favor of Narendra Modi Ji & his govt: Amit Shah pic.twitter.com/0xew3y77xY

— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2018

Ahmed Patel exudes confidence in Congress in Meghalaya

We have a clear majority in Meghalaya. We have a setback in Tripura in Nagaland, we will have to work on that.: Ahmed Patel, Congress pic.twitter.com/RxxxB92TUZ

— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2018

Second and only other BJP MLA from Meghalaya, Sanbor Shullai speaks after his win from South Shillong

“I am the only MLA in the state who represents the Cantonment area which has a lot of unutilised land. I will take this up with Centre and get them to allocate these lands from civilians use so we can construct toilets, playground, community halls,” BJP’s Sanbor Shullai said.

Input by Kyrmenlang Uriah/101Reporters

Narendra Modi thanks voters in Meghalaya for supporting BJP

I express my gratitude to the people of Meghalaya for supporting @BJP4Meghalaya. The welfare of Meghalaya is of utmost importance for us. I appreciate the BJP Karyakartas for their continued efforts in the state to serve the people.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 3, 2018

Alexander L Hek (BJP) retains Pynthorumkhrah seat, defeating James Ban Basaiawmoit (PDF) by 1400 votes

Alexander L Hek has been continually elected as a BJP MLA from Pynthorumkhrah constituency since 1998, the only abberation being in 2013 when he won as a Congress candidate.

Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal thanks voters in three North East states for ‘keeping faith’ in BJP

Many congratulations Shri @AmitShah ji & @BJP4India Karyakartas for the splendid performance in assembly polls held in Tripura, Nagaland & Meghalaya. We also thank the people of #NorthEast for keeping faith in our party & supporting us in our endeavour of a #CongressMuktBharat

— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) March 3, 2018

Prestone Tynsong (NPP) retains Pynursla by a margin of 2800 votes

Prestone Tynsong photographed with his wife Anjella Kharsyntiew. After the declaration of results, he said he will first visit his constituency to thank the voters. Then he will return to Shillong and sit down with all newly-elected NPP MLAs, and Conrad Sangma, to decide on the party’s strategy. “We will know by tomorrow,” he said. He declined to comment on whether his name will be put forth for the chief minister’s position.

Input by Kyrmenlang Uriah/101Reporters.

Results in 26 seats declared

BJP wins its first seat ever in Meghalaya: 

INC – 11

HSPDP – 2

NPP – 5

UDP – 3

KHNAM – 1

PDF – 1

IND – 2

Sniawbhalang Dhar (NPP) won from Nartiang constituency against INC candidate by 2000 votes

Sniawbhalang Dhar retains the seat, which he won in 2013 as a Congress candidate.

Input from Kyrmenlang Uriah/101Reporters

Charles Pyngrope (INC) won from Nongthymmai constituency, defeating Dr Jemino Mawthoh (UDP) by 957 votes

Input by Kyrmenlang Uriah/101Rerporters

Process T Sawkmie (INC) won from Mawlai constituency against an independent candidate

Input by Kyrmenlang Uriah/101Reporters

Trajectory of leads and wins so far:

BJP’s AL Hek, who defected from Congress before polls, wins from Pynrthorumkhrah

Input by Kyrmenlang Uriah/101Reporters

Congress’ Ampareen Lyngdoh defeated BJP’s Neil Antonio War

Party-wise vote share in Meghalaya

NPP wins in Nongstoin

Macmillan Byrsat (NPP) wins a very tight election in Nongstoin. He defeated Gabriel Wahlang (INC) by merely 60 votes. Kyrmenlang Uriah/101Reporters

BJP talks about ‘Left-mukt Bharat’

BJP will form government in #Meghalaya too. We will win 2019 polls on the basis of exemplary work. It's not just Congress mukt Bharat, but Left mukt Bharat: Ravi Shankar Prasad. #ElectionsWithNews18 #LIVE: https://t.co/TRbc7YhAi7 pic.twitter.com/dkRT6NfLZH

— News18 (@CNNnews18) March 3, 2018

Congress’ Hima Shangpliang on his victory

Hima Shangpliang (INC) won from Mawsynram against PDF’s PN Syiem. As the new MLA of the constituency, he said he will focus on “development work like roads, bridges and particularly schemes for the people. Health sector also needs a lot of change.”

Asked how he would rate the constituency, Shanpliang said in the present scenario, he would only give it 3 out of 10. Input by Kyrmenlang Uriah/101Reporters

Will support any party which works for people: Independent candidate

I will be supporting any party that works for the welfare of the people of state: SK Sunn, Independent candidate who won from Mawphlang constituency in Meghalaya #MeghalayaElection2018 pic.twitter.com/nl7DwFsBps

— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2018

Congress’ Kimfa Sidney Marbaniang wins from Rambrai, NPP’s Gigur Myrthong wins from Mawshynrut

Input by Kyrmenlang Uriah/101Reporters

Mukul Sangma, the winner

Trends so far

Can’t be 100 percent sure about forming govt in Meghalaya: Tarun Gogoi

Former Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi commented on the results so far and said, “We were hopeful about Meghalaya, and the trends so far indicate we have a chance at forming the government, although I can’t be a 100 percent sure.”

“About the BJP emerging strong in these states, it is not a new phenomenon that Northeastern states have voted for the party in power at the Centre. Small states often do that, so it isn’t a big deal. But after their recent losses in bypolls in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, BJP winning a few seats in the North East would not be of significance.”

NPP’s SG Esmatur Mominin wins Phulbari seat

Input by Saidul Khan/101Reporters

Can Mukul Sangma save Congress in Meghalaya?

It has been clear even before Meghalaya went to polls on 27 February that Chief Minister Mukul Sangma was the face of the Congress in the state.

In fact, Rahul Gandhi campaigned only twice in Meghalaya. Now, the fate of the Congress rests in the hands of Sangma and a lot depends on how he plays his cards, according to this India Today article.

The key may lie with the independents.

Congress’ Himalaya Muktan Shangpliang wins from Mawsynram

Trailing him by 1,000 votes was PN Syiem (PDF), the leader of the party and its chief ministerial candidate. Input by Kyrmenlang Uriah/101Reporters

BJP’s Sanbor Shullai wins in South Shillong

Input by Saidul Khan/101Reporters

Adelbert Nongrum talks to reporters after his victory

Input by Kyrmenlang Uriah/101Reporters

Vote is against the Congress in Meghalaya: Nalin Kohli

In #Meghalaya, the vote is basically against the Congress if you see the performance of other parties. Leaders will discuss if there can be possibility of a post poll alliance: Nalin Kohli,BJP Meghalaya incharge pic.twitter.com/zLjPIfGdyx

— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2018

Independent candidate Syntar Klas Sunn wins in Mawphlang constituency

Input by Kyrmenlang Uriah/101Reporters

Here is the trajectory of leads so far:

Adelbert Nongrum leads in North Shillong

According to latest updates by the Election Commission, he is in the lead with 300 votes with counting in progress. He is from Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM). Input by Kyrmenlang Uriah/101Reporters

Congress wins 5 seats, NPP wins 2

BJP, UDP+ and others have won one seat each.

NPP’s Rakkam Sangma wins from Siju Rongara with 1,108 votes

Input by Saidul Khan/101Reporters

Meghalaya heading towards divided house: Ram Madhav

“Meghalaya is heading towards a divided house. We will try to form a government there without Congress,” said BJP’s Ram Madhav.

In Meghalaya a divided result is a possibility, we will see that a non-Congress Govt is formed there. Himanta Biswa Sarma ji is leaving for Meghalaya shortly: Ram Madhav,BJP pic.twitter.com/3f3KrBURWb

— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2018

Mukul Sangma wins both Songsak and Ampati seats

Sangma won 15,960 votes in Songsak and 10,274 votes in Ampati. Input by Saidul Khan/101Reporters

BJP’s Billykid Sangma leading in South Tura with 3,909 votes

Input by Saidul Khan/101Reporters

BJP’s KC Boro leading with 2,063 votes in Tikrikilla

Ampareen Lyngdoh on the counting of votes so far

Former Meghalayan cabinet minister Ampareen Lyngdoh (INC) retained her constituency, East Shillong, with a huge margin. There were widespread reports of EVM and VVPAT malfunctions in her constituency on Tuesday. Here she is speaking to 101Reporters outside the counting centre today. Input by Kyrmenlang Uriah/101Reporters

Congress’ Winnerson D Sangma leading in Salmanpara with 5,323 votes

Input by Saidul Khan/101Reporters

Congress leading in Mahendraganj

Congress’ Dikanchi D Shira is leading with 6,863 votes in Mahendraganj. BJP’s Premananda Koch is trailing with 2,739 votes. Input by Saidul Khan/101Reporters

Congress leading from 22 seats, while NPP ahead in 14

Incumbent chief minister Mukul Sangma clinches Songsak seat

Chief Minister Mukul Sangma of the Congress has secured his victory from Songsak constituency, while Cherak Momin of Congress has won from Kharkutta.

— Input by Saidul Khan

Neck and neck competition in Nartiang

There’s a tight competition in Nartiang constituency of Meghalaya, where Jopthiaw Lyngdoh of the Congress is trailing but only by 100 votes. Sniawbhalang Dhar of the NPP currently leads with 11608 votes.

— Input by Kyrmenlang Uriah

Congress rushes Ahmed Patel, Kamal Nath to Meghalaya

Congress has rushed senior leaders Ahmed Patel, Kamal Nath and Mukul Wasnik to Meghalaya in order to reinforce the possibility of forming a government in the state. The Congress is ahead in 23 seats, NPP in 14, BJP in five, while other candidates are ahead in 17 seats.

Once bitten, twice shy Congress clearly doesn’t want a repeat of Goa when it was apparently found sleeping at the wheels despite being in the driver’s seat, allowing BJP to snatch a coalition right under its nose. Rahul Gandhi’s alertness though won’t be able to save the larger picture for Congress where it seems to have been replaced by BJP as the pan-India national party in once-bastion North East.

NPP leads in North Tura, Raksamgre

NPP makes big gains in North Tura and Raksamgre constituencies, with its candidates Thomas Sangma and Benedic Marak leading against Noverfield Marak and Limison Sangma respectively.

— Input by Saidul Khan

Agatha Sangma trailing to Billykid Sangma

Agatha Sangma, chief ministerial candidate of the NPP, is trailing in South Tura constituency to BJP’s Billykid Sangma.

— Input by Saidul Khan

Congress still leads in Meghalaya, but margin reduces

James Sangma trails in Dadenggre

In Dadenggre, James Sangma of the NPP is trailing Independent candidate Rupa Marak, polling 2,295 votes to Marak’s 3,338 votes.

— Input by Saidul Khan

Trends in all 3 states point to new political direction: Kiren Rijiju

The trends in all three states point to a new political direction, it will have an effect on national politics as well. We are confident of forming Govt in all three: Kiren Rijiju,MoS Home #Tripura #Meghalaya #Nagaland pic.twitter.com/QYnbZWGVOq

— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2018

We will form a non-Congress government in Meghalaya: Kiren Rijiju

“We will succeed in forming a non-Congress government in Meghalaya,” said Minister of State (Home) Kiren Rijiju. “In the North East alliance, BJP, UDP and NPP are together.”

Congress’ Clement Marak leads over Ferlin Sangma

Congress’ Clement Marak (with 2,449 votes) is leading over NPP’s Ferlin Sangma (with 2,284 votes) in West Garo Hills.

Two hours into counting, here’s how the trajectory of leads and wins looks so far

Congress now leading in 20 seats

NPP is leading in 8 seats. It seems the independent candidates will play a crucial role in the Meghalaya polls. The independent candidates have won 10 seats so far.

First-time voters made up nearly 5% of the electorate

A first time voter, 20-year old Nangiaisan Khongkai, who is at Polo Grounds, says, “I just voted for the first time and being here on the ground and waiting for the results is really exciting. I see people coming and going and holding the flag of their candidates and their energy is really fascinating.”

“I just hope that the people know that apart from just holding a flag of their candidate’s party they are holding the future of a better government here in our state.”

According to the Election Commission, first-time voters made up nearly 5 percent of the registered electorate this time in the Meghalaya. Input by Daphilabet Buhphang/101Reporters

Here’s how some of the prominent candidates are performing:

Mukul Sangma (Cong) leading in Songsak and Ampati, Metbah Lyngdoh (UDP) in Mairang constituency, Billykid Sangma (BJP) in South Tura, Thomas Sangma (NPP) leading in North Tura, Samuel Sangma (Indp) leading in Baghmara, Clement Sangma (Cong) leading in Selsella. Input by Saidul Khan/101Reporters

BJP tells Firstpost it expects 7 to 10 seats for the party

Meghalaya BJP chief Shibun Lyngdoh: We expect a total of 7 to 10 seats for the BJP in Meghalaya, the early trends are satisfactory. The Congress seems ahead right now but that will change soon. As for a post-poll alliance with the NPP, it is definitely a possibility.

Congress trailing in Meghalaya: Ram Madhav

Seeing the earlier trends:, I feel that in Tripura BJP is going to do very well In Nagaland too, our alliance is doing very well and Congress is trailing in Meghalaya. The three results of North East are going to be very good for BJP: Ram Madhav, BJP pic.twitter.com/66V7BPCXDn

— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2018

Party-wise vote share so far

Input taken from Election Commission website

Conrad Sangma confident NPP will have an edge over Congress

NPP chief and Tura MP Conrad Sangma said the early trends look good. “I think we will have an edge over the Congress by the time the leads are clearer. The issue of a post-poll alliance with BJP will come up later; we will soon find out what options we can resort to,” Sangma said.

Congress continues to lead in Meghalaya

ECI trends: Congress leading on 5 seats,UDP on 2, NPP on 1 and 1 Independent #MeghalayaElection2018 pic.twitter.com/2wVZfIiqwS

— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2018

NPP leads will come down: Congress

Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee working president James Lyngdoh: Although Congress and NPP seem neck-and-neck for now, the NPP leads will come down shortly. There’s no reason for worry as yet, but a clearer picture will only appear about 2 hours from now.

Congress leading in 13 seats now, UDP+ in 7, BJP still leading only in 1

NPP is leading in 4 seats.

EVMs yet to be opened: Ram Madhav

Results being shown now are mostly from postal ballot count. EVMs are yet to be opened

— Ram Madhav (@rammadhav_) March 3, 2018

Mukul Sangma leading in Songsak

Mukul Sangma (INC) is currently leading in Songsak. Other prominent candidates who are currently in the lead are Agatha Sangma (NPP), James Sangma (NPP), Limison Sangma (INC) and Clement Marak (INC). Input by Saidul Khan/101Reporters

Congress supporters buoyant in Meghalaya

As per leads and with the Congress taking the fight to the BJP and its allies in the state, supporters at the counting centre in Shillong are enthusiastic about their party’s prospects.

Input: Daphilabet Buhphang/101Reporters

Congress leading in 8 seats, UDP+ leads in 5 seats

Meanwhile, NPP is leading in 2 seats while BJP is leading in only 1 seat. It looks like Congress has got an early lead in the state.

UDP+ leading in 4 seats, Congress and NPP leading in 3 seats each

Over 2000 people gathered at the sports club, one of the counting centres

As the counting begins in Shillong, more than 2000 people have gathered at the Sports Club, one of the counting centres in Meghalaya. The numbers are swelling by the hour.

Input by Daphilabet Buhphang/101Reporters

Watch: Huge crowd at Shillong Polo ground

#WATCH: Huge crowd at Shillong Polo ground where people can see counting trends through a projector #MeghalayaElection2018 pic.twitter.com/iBHVpy2pvl

— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2018

CCTV screenshot from inside counting centre

A CCTV grab from inside the counting centre in Shillong where postal ballots continue to be counted.

Image courtesy: Kyrmenlang Uriah/101Reporters

The trends so far

Party          Lead

Cong          3

NPP           3

BJP            1

UDP+         3

Others        0

Huge crowd in Shillong to count trends

Huge crowd has gathered at Shillong Polo ground where people can see counting trends through a projector #MeghalayaElection2018 pic.twitter.com/bKMcsQYEBK

— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2018

And it begins…

Congress leads in one seat.

Congress’ Zenith Sangma arrives in Tura

Congress candidates Zenith Sangma (contesting from Rangsakona assembly constituency) and his wife Sadhiarani Sangma (Gambegre assembly constituency) arrive at the counting centre in Tura.

Inputs from Saidul Khan/101Reporters

In Meghalaya, political dynasties rule the roost

Elections in Meghalaya are to a large extent family affairs. Political heavyweights, along with their spouses and scions, are fighting it out to retain power in Tuesday’s Assembly elections in the hill state.

Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma, who is contesting from Ampati and Songsak seats, has three family members in the fray from the Garo Hills region. NPP candidates and relatives of former Lok Sabha speaker Purno A Sangma are also fighting the polls from four seats in the region.

Counting for 15 constituencies to be done at JN Sports Complex, Poo, Shillong

Counting for as many as 15 constituencies will be taken up at JN Sports Complex, Poo, Shillong. Polling agents from different parties are in queue to enter inside the counting hall.

Input by Kyrmenlang Uriah/101Reporters

Counting of votes for all 60 seats begins

Fingers crossed for results

People in Meghalaya have their fingers crossed about the outcome. Some of the supporters of political parties have gathered at one of the counting centres in Tura.

Input credit: Saidul Khan/101Reporters

Heavy security at counting centres

There is adequate security at counting centres and we hope there will be no untoward incident and counting will pass off smoothly: D Marak,SP Shillong #MeghalayaElection2018 pic.twitter.com/QFoajdJi3U

— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2018

Infographic of vote share

People want change in Mawsynram: Congress

We will wait for the verdict of the people. People want change in Mawsynram: HM Shangpliang, Congress candidate from Mawsynram constituency. #MeghalayaElection2018 pic.twitter.com/llPfFuQ5Ex

— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2018

Visuals outside Shillong counting centre

#Meghalaya: Visuals from outside the counting centre in Shillong. #MeghalayaElection2018 pic.twitter.com/Welgecy5hl

— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2018

Exit polls: Congress, NPP emerge as strongest contenders

According to the exit poll, Congress will clinch 36.5 percent of the vote, followed by NPP with 29.4 percent. Despite its heavy campaigning, BJP only managed 16.6 percent vote share, while the UDP- HSPDP coalition had an 8.8 percent share and Others clinched 8.7 percent of the vote share.

Click here to read the full report.