Voting begins in Meghalaya by-polls

Shillong (Meghalaya), Aug 23, 2018:

Voting is going on at brisk pace in both South Tura and Ranikor Assembly constituencies of Meghalaya where by-polls are being held today.

According to reports, voting began at 7 am and is continuing smoothly.

The by-polls have assumed significance as Chief Minister and National People’s Party (NPP) leader Conrad Sangma is in the fray. He is contesting from South Tura constituency.

His win will determine whether he continues to head the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government.

The by-election in South Tura constituency has been necessitated to give the Chief Minister a chance to get elected to the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly. Former Union Minister Agatha Sangma, who won the seat in February Assembly election, resigned to pave the way for her brother Conrad to get elected.

Conrad is the sitting MP from Tura Parliamentary constituency.

In Ranikor constituency, the by-election was necessitated following resignation of Martin M Danggo as MLA to shift allegiance from the Congress to the ruling NPP. He is a five-time MLA and is seeking re-election from the constituency on an NPP ticket.