NPP LIKELY TO FORM GOVERNMENT WITH UDP AND OTHERS

In a major development in Meghalaya following Saturday's election results, the United Democratic Party (UDP) has extended its support to the National People’s Party in order to form a government in the state.

Though the Congress had emerged the single largest party in the Meghalaya elections, bagging 21 seats in the 60member assembly, it could not woo the regional parties. They had faced the same fate as in Manipur in 2017 assembly elections.

The Conrad Sangma-led NPP, however, had finished a close second with 19 seats, while the UDP had bagged 6 seats. Together, the pair's anti-Congress alliance has 25 seats, 27 if the BJP's 2 are added. Hill State People's Democratic Party is too supporting the NPP. Conrad Sangma is likely to be the next Chief Minister of Meghalaya.

It may be mentioned that as none of the political parties could gain majority, the trump card was with regional parties like UDP winning six seats, People’s Democratic Front getting four seats, HSPDP two seats and Khun Hynniewtrap National Awakening Movement and NCP getting one each. Three independent candidates were also the most sought after.