3 ex-CMs, one incumbent in fray

The party to watch out for is Congress, which is hoping to bag a single majority. If it succeeds to form a government and both Marak and Lapang are elected, it will be a tough toss between the two for the post of Chief Minister. The issue will then have to be referred to the party high command. However, what might tilt the balance in either Lapang’s or Marak’s favour is how many seats the party manage to get in Khasi, Jaintia and Garo hills. If the Congress bags more seats from Garo hills, Marak will be a strong contender for the top slot, while Lapang will lay claim to the throne if the party does well in Khasi and Jaintia hills.

The NCP is projecting Robert Kharshiing with the intention of garnering more seats in Khasi and Jaintia hills. Considering the party’s pocket borough is Garo hills, it wants to expand its base.

However, if the NCP gets a majority and most of the seats come from Garo hills, it is likely that the MLAs will pitch for a legislator from that area to occupy the hot seat. But if the party does well from Khasi and Jaintia hills, nobody can challenge Kharshiing’s elevation to the post.

As for the HSPDP, it is not likely to be in a position to form the government. But in a topsy-turvy world of Meghalaya politics, where an Independent can rise to the Chief Minister’s post, anything can happen. Khonglam may be a former chief minister but HSPDP chief H.S. Lyngdoh still calls the shots. So, there should be no doubt as to who will occupy the hot seat if the party is even remotely in a position to form the government.