Meghalaya Election Results 2023 highlights: CM Conrad Sangma submits resignation; stakes claim to form new govt

According to news agency ANI, the district administration of West Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya Friday imposed a curfew in Sahsniang village till further orders, following post-vote counting violence.

Meghalaya | The district administration of West Jaintia Hills has imposed curfew in Sahsniang village till further orders, following post-vote counting violence pic.twitter.com/yZ1n4sjqi4

— ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2023

A day after the National People's Party emerged as the single-largest party in Meghalaya aftre securing 26 seats, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma submitted his resignation to the Governor of the state and stoked claims to form new government in the state.

Two BJP MLAs and one Independent candidate have extended their support to the NPP in forming the new state government.

Conrad Sangma submits resignation letter as Chief Minister before the Governor of Meghalaya, and stakes claim to form new government. NPP emerged as single largest in Meghalaya with 26 seats. BJP (2 MLAs) and 1 Ind have extended support so far @IndianExpress pic.twitter.com/ksnjNVqNt3

— Tora Agarwala (@toramatix) March 3, 2023

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma took to Twitter to share his gratitude to the state BJP for extending their support to the National People's Party (NPP) to form the coalition government.

Earlier on Thursday, Sangma had approached the Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking BJP's support in forming the new government. Sangma wrote, "We will continue to work together to serve Meghalaya and its people."

Thank you @BJP4Meghalaya for reaching out to the NPP and for extending your support to our party to form the Government. We will continue to work together to serve Meghalaya and its people.@AmitShah @JPNadda @himantabiswa pic.twitter.com/xSR3QD1xNB

— Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) March 2, 2023

As the National People’s Party (NPP) emerged as the single-largest party in Meghalaya, securing 26 seats in the 60-seat Assembly, it is likely to ally with the BJP or the United Democratic Party (UDP) — or maybe even both — to form a coalition government, once again after five years.

Tora Agarwala highlights the key takeaways from Meghalaya election results here.

As the National People’s Party (NPP) emerged as the single-largest party in Meghalaya, it is likely to ally with the BJP or the United Democratic Party (UDP) — or maybe even both — to form a coalition government, in a repeat of proceedings five years ago.

Securing just 26 seats in the 60-seat Meghalaya assembly, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, who won from the South Tura constituency, approached Union Home Minister Amit Shah asking for his support and blessings in forming the new government, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma has tweeted.

Here’s the full list of winners from each constituency.

Union Home Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah took to Twitter to thank the people of Meghalaya for their support towards the party.

"Thank you the people of Meghalaya for your support and blessings to BJP. I applaud @BJP4Meghalaya for their hard work to expand BJP’s footprints in the state. BJP under PM @narendramodi Ji will leave no stone unturned in serving the people and creating a bright future for them," he wrote.

Thank you the people of Meghalaya for your support and blessings to BJP. I applaud @BJP4Meghalaya for their hard work to expand BJP’s footprints in the state.

BJP under PM @narendramodi Ji will leave no stone unturned in serving the people and creating a bright future for them.

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 2, 2023

With the National People’s Party (NPP) emerging as the single-largest party in Meghalaya, it is likely to ally with the BJP or the United Democratic Party (UDP) — or maybe even both — to form a coalition government, in a repeat of proceedings five years ago. Here are the takeaways from today's result.

Now let's have a look at Tripura, where BJP-IPFT alliance returns to power winning 33 seats in the 60-member assembly, as the Election Commission declared the results of all the constituencies. Royal scion Pradyot Kishore’s TIPRA Motha party, which was seen as the kingmaker in Tripura, bagged 13 seats, while the Left-Congress alliance secured 14, with Debbarma’s party eating into the Left’s tribal votes. The Trinamool Congress did not win a single of the 28 seats it contested. Follow Tripura election results Live for more updates.

Meanwhile in Nagaland, political stalwart and its longest serving chief minister Neiphiu Rio is set to assume office as chief minister for a fifth consecutive term after a convincing win for his party and its ally, the BJP. Together, the two parties have secured 33 seats in the 60-member Nagaland assembly.With results to 49 out of 60 seats declared so far, the NDPP-BJP alliance have already crossed the halfway mark and are poised to form the government in Nagaland. The NDPP has won 23 seats so far and the BJP has won 12, giving them a joint tally of 35 seats. Further, they together are leading in another two seats. Follow Nagaland election results Live Updates here 

While the Congress managed to win five of the 60 seats in the Meghalaya Assembly polls, the party’s state chief and Shillong MP, Vincent H Pala, lost to the ruling NPP’s Santa Mary Shylla by 1,828 votes in the Sutnga Saipung constituency in the East Jaintia Hills.

The election results threw up a hung Assembly, even as the incumbent Chief Minister Conrad Sangma-led NPP emerged as the single largest party. Read full report by Tora Agarwala

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, who have won from South Tura on NPP ticket, called Union Home Minister Amit Shah and sought his support and blessings in forming the new government, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma tweeted.

Sri @SangmaConrad , Chief Minister of Meghalaya, called @AmitShah ji, Hon'ble Home Minister, and sought his support and blessings in forming the new Government.
.

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) March 2, 2023

NPP wins 20 seats, ahead in 5 others

Living up to its promise, the small regional outfit United Democratic Party (UDP) looked set to emerge as the second largest party in the Meghalaya Assembly after the results were declared Thursday.

A part of the ruling Meghalaya Development Alliance coalition, including the National People’s Party (which was set to emerge as the single largest) and BJP, the UDP had contested separately like its other partners. It was headed to win 11 seats, nearly double its tally of 6 last time and far ahead of other non-NPP parties. Read full report by Tora Agarwala

Meghalaya CM and NPP leader Conrad Sangma while speaking to the reporters said, “Thankful to the people of the state for voting for our party. We are short of a few numbers so we will wait for the final results to come out, and we will decide how to go forward."

A margin of mere 18 votes led to James Sangma - a three-time NPP MLA and the elder brother of Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma - to lose to the TMC’s Rupa Marak in the Dadenggre constituency. A heavyweight, James held various key portfolios in the NPP-led government, including home, law, and power. - Tora Agarwala reports

Conrad Sangma is all set to retain the constituency of South Tura by a margin of nearly 3,000 votes. BJP’s Bernard Marak has polled 7260 votes.

#MeghalayaElections2023 | As Chief Minister and NPP leader Conrad Sangma leads from Tura South constituency by a margin of 2,830 votes, he thanks the people for their support.

#MeghalayaElections2023 | As Chief Minister and NPP leader Conrad Sangma leads from Tura South constituency by a margin of 2,830 votes, he thanks the people for their support.

Live: https://t.co/sRNz1ZMYyO pic.twitter.com/28aqavkW03

— The Indian Express (@IndianExpress) March 2, 2023

Hekani Jakhalu becomes the first woman MLA in Nagaland after winning with a margin of 1536 votes representing Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party in Dimapur-III constituency. She is one of the four women candidates who are contesting the Nagaland Assembly election this year.

The state has had 13 state assemblies but not one woman has been elected to this position so far. On Thursday afternoon as counting is underway in the state, Jakhalu was the sixth person to be officially declared winner in Nagaland by the Election Commission of India. Of 31,874 votes counted in the constituency, she received 45.16% of the votes, just ahead of the LJP (RV)’s Azheto Zhimomi who received 40.34% votes.

Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha has emerged victorious with a margin of 1,180 votes at Town Bardowali constituency, against Congress candidate Ashish Kumar Saha after the end of the 6th and final round of counting. Follow Live Updates Here

Tripura CM Manik Saha collects his winning certificate as he wins the election from the Town Bardowali constituency

"I am feeling good and after winning I am getting this certificate so what can be better than this," he says#TripuraElection2023 pic.twitter.com/2kEkYgPahH

— ANI (@ANI) March 2, 2023

The situation remains about the same in Meghalaya. The NPP is ahead in 26 seats, just shy of the majority mark. 

Times Now: NPP ahead in 18 (winning in 8), Congress in 4 (winning in 1), BJP in 3, and Others in 20 

NDTV: NPP ahead in 26, UDP in 10, Congress in 5, TMC in 5, BJP in 3, and Others in 10 

India Today: NPP ahead in 26, Congress in 5, BJP in 3, Others in 25 

News18: NPP ahead in 27 (winning in 14), TMC in 6, Congress in 5, BJP in 4, and others in 17

Thanking the people of Meghalaya for voting for the National People's Party (NPP), Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday said the party was still short of a few seats for majority and will wait for the final results before deciding on the way forward.

The NPP has won five seats and was leading in 21 other constituencies as counting of votes polled in the February 27 polls was underway. "I thank the people of our state for having voted for our party. We are grateful to them. We are still short of the numbers and are waiting for the final results, after which we will decide on the way forward," the CM, who was leading by 2,830 votes in South Tura seat, said.

UDP candidates won in two seats, while its nominees were leading in eight other constituencies. Sangma had held a meeting with his Assam counterpart Himanta Biswa Sarma in Guwahati after exit polls predicted a hung assembly in Meghalaya.

The BJP was leading in three seats, while the Trinamool Congress and the Congress won one constituency each, and were ahead in four other constituencies each. (PTI)

#WATCH | Tura, Meghalaya | "We'd like to thank the people of the state for having voted for us. We are short on a few numbers, so we'll wait for the final results to come out. We will see what next steps are to be taken based on the final results," says Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma pic.twitter.com/281euGC6xp

— ANI (@ANI) March 2, 2023

Meghalaya Assembly Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh of UDP has bagged the Mairang seat by a margin of 155 votes. Meanwhile, HSPDP's Shakliar Warjri defeated cabinet minister Brolding Nongsiej in Mawthadraishan seat by 2,353 votes.

As the counting of votes progresses in the three northeastern states, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said: "The simple reason behind the manner in which BJP is winning in the northeast and garnering people's support, is that the work done by PM Modi is reaching the public. That's the formula. If we're winning elections, it means we're winning people's confidence. There will be only BJP's impact in all states in the northeast." (ANI)

AHEAD OF results in Tripura and Meghalaya, the possibility of a hung Assembly in the two states saw hectic backroom meetings in both the ruling and Opposition camps.

While the BJP’s national leadership and senior leaders in the Northeast were contemplating the next steps if the party fell short of a majority in Tripura, though the party seemed headed for a simple majority, they were also considering various options in Meghalaya. The ruling National People’s Party (NPP) is leading in the early trends in Meghalaya, but whether it would get a clear majority in the 60-member Assembly remains unclear. Read full Political Pulse by Liz Mathew here

The ruling National People's Party (NPP) in Meghalaya won two seats, and was leading in 21 other constituencies, the Election Commission said on Thursday as the counting of votes for the assembly elections was underway. The UDP was ahead in nine constituencies, while the BJP and the Trinamool Congress were ahead in five seats each, and the Congress and the Voice of the People Party (VPP) were leading in four seats each.

The Hill State People's Democratic Party (HSPDP) and the People's Democratic Front were ahead in two constituencies each. Three Independent candidates were also leading, as per the latest trends available for 57 out of 59 constituencies. NPP candidates Coming One Ymbon and Sniawbhalang Dhar won from Raliang and Nartiang seats respectively by margins of 5,337 and 2,123 votes.

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma was leading in the South Tura seat by a margin of 508 votes, while his deputy Prestone Tynsong was leading in Pynursla seat by over 4,288 votes. State Congress president Vincent H Pala was trailing behind NPP's Santa Mary Shylla by 2,019 votes in the Sutnga Saipung seat.

Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma of the TMC was leading from the Songsak seat by a mere 77 votes over NPP's ND Shira. Meghalaya Assembly Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh was leading by 100 votes over Batskhem Ryntathiang of the Congress in Mairang constituency. BJP's Sanbor Shullai was leading by 6,490 votes over VPP's Danny Langstieh in South Shillong seat.

The CM's brother James P K Sangma, and other cabinet ministers Dasakhiat Lamare (NPP), Hamlet Dohling (NPP), Lahkmen Rymbui (UDP), Brolsing Nongsiej (UDP) and Renikton Tongkhar (UDP) were trailing in their respective constituencies. (PTI) 

Meghalaya | Preparations for the celebration are underway at CM Conrad Sangma's residence in Tura as his party National People's Party leading on 22 of the total 59 seats so far. pic.twitter.com/O9Gpc97hg4

— ANI (@ANI) March 2, 2023

#WATCH | Supporters of various political parties gather outside Polo Ground in Shillong as the counting for #MeghalayaElections2023 is underway

As per ECI, CM Conrad Sangma's National People's Party leading on 22 of the total 59 seats so far. pic.twitter.com/YGN0YeKXeJ

— ANI (@ANI) March 2, 2023

Mamata Banerjee’s TMC, which led a vigorous campaign in the run-up to the elections, is currently leading in five seats. The former chief minister and face of the TMC Mukul Sangma is, however, trailing in one of two seats he contested.  

Nowhere in the picture after the 2018 elections, the party with zero seats had overnight emerged as the principal Opposition after 12 MLAs, led by Sangma, of the Congress changed sides to it. The party's entire campaign was centred on Sangma’s — among the most prominent names in Meghalaya politics in recent decades — leadership. However, beyond his personal appeal, the party has little else to show, as early trends show. -- Tora Agarwala

A very close fight is panning out in Meghalaya's key urban constituency East Shillong. Former leader of the Congress legislator party, a three-time MLA and heavyweight, Amapareen Lyngdoh, who is now contesting from the NPP, is leading but only by three votes. Giving her a tough fight is Congress’ Manuel Badwar, a former marketing consultant and IIM-Calcutta graduate. Badwar is among the many first-timers the Congress has fielded this election, after being badly hit by a series of defections. The party, which struggled to find suitable candidates for all 60 seats, ended up fielding a majority of greenhorns, many of whom are under 45 years of age. -- Tora Agarwala

As per the figures shared by the Election Commission of India at 12.05 pm, the ruling NPP is leading in 23 seats with a voting percentage of 31.5. While the UDP is leading in eight seats, the Congress, BJP and TMC are ahead in five seats each.

NPP's Sniawbhalang Dhar has bagged the Nartiang Assembly constituency by a margin of 2,123 votes, defeating Congress candidate Emlang Laloo.

In Meghalaya, the NPP continues to maintain its lead. 

News18: NPP at 26, TMC leads in 27, BJP in 4, Congress in 4, Others in 18 

India Today: NPP ahead in 27, Congress and BJP in 5 each, Others in 23 

NDTV: NPP ahead in 25, UDP in 8, TMC in 6, Congress and BJP in 5 each, others in 10 

Times Now: NPP ahead in 25, Congress and BJP in 5 each, others in 24

The ruling NPP in Meghalaya was leading in 22 seats, while the UDP was ahead in seven, the Election Commission said on Thursday as the counting of votes for the assembly elections was underway. The BJP and the Congress were leading in six seats each, while the Trinamool Congress was ahead in five and the Voice of the People Party (VPP) in four seats.

The Hill State People's Democratic Party (HSPDP) was ahead in two seats, while two Independent candidates were also leading. People's Democratic Front was leading in one seat, as per latest trends available for 55 out of 59 constituencies.

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma was leading in the South Tura seat with a margin of just 44 votes over his nearest rival Bernard N Marak of the BJP.

State Congress president Vincent H Pala was trailing behind NPP's Santa Mary Shylla by 620 votes in the Sutnga Saipung seat. Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma of the TMC was leading from the Songsak seat by 457 votes over NPP's ND Shira.

Meghalaya Assembly Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh was trailing behind Batskhem Ryntathiang of the Congress by 54 votes in Mairang constituency. (PTI)

An interesting trend has emerged in Meghalaya with the newly-formed Voice of the People Party (VPP) leading in four seats, including Mawlai, one of the largest constituencies in Meghalaya.

The VPP was formed just months before the election, and has fielded several first-timers with the stated aim of bringing “political change and to bring clean politics in Meghalaya.” --  Tora Agarwala

As per early trends, incumbent chief Minister Conrad Sangma is locked in a close battle with BJP’s Bernard Marak. After round two, Sangma is leading by 44 votes. The CM’s family bastion, South Tura is one of the most keenly-watched, high-voltage battles in this election and emerged as the epicentre of a long-brewing rivalry between former allies — the NPP and BJP. In 2022, Marak —a militant turned politician — was arrested in the alleged “sex racket”: the development had brought the already-strained relationship between the NPP and BJP to a flashpoint, with the latter alleging that CM Sangma was settling personal scores by targeting him. Ahead of the elections, many in Tura said that there has been a rise in public “sympathy” for him in his belt, especially after his “unlawful arrest” last year. -- Tora Agarwala

Read full Political Pulse here

#WATCH | Meghalaya's incumbent Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, along with his mother Soradini K Sangma, brother James Sangma and sister Agatha K Sangma, visits the grave of his father & former CM, PA Sangma in Tura on the day of counting of votes. pic.twitter.com/YroEdv8nhJ

— ANI (@ANI) March 2, 2023

Lok Sabha MP — Vincent Pala — who is currently the Meghalaya Congress President  and contesting the Sutnga Saipung constituency in the Jaintia Hills, is trailing as per early trends put out by the ECI. The NPP’s SM Shylla is currently leading. Pala — essentially the face of the beleaguered Congress, which has been hit by defections — is a crucial candidate for the grand old party. -- Tora Agarwala

For more analysis follow our Live Blog

The NPP has edged ahead of the TMC, leading in 23 seats. Meanwhile, the TMC is ahead in 8. 

News18: NPP ahead in 23, TMC in 8, Congress in 6, BJP in 6, Others in 16 

India Today: NPP ahead in 21, BJP in 7, Congress in 5, Others in 26 

NDTV: NPP ahead in 22, TMC ahead in 8, BJP ahead in 7, Congress ahead in 4, UDP ahead in 8, Others ahead in 11 

The BJP seems to be retaining the foothold in the Northeastern region which it has gained since Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the party to power at the centre in 2014. The early trends show that the party is ahead of the combined Opposition in Tripura, its alliance leading in Nagaland and gaining more seats in Meghalaya, a state where the Conrad Sangma-led National People's Party (NPP) is looking to remain in power.

With the results going in the expected way, party leaders claim that it is a verdict on the development agenda pursued by PM Modi and the BJP. If the final results are on the same lines, the party can reassure its strategy to cut through the accusation of anti-minority and anti-tribal with the development and good governance narrative. The results in the northeastern states will not only reaffirm the party's dominance in the region, but also would be a major morale boost ahead of the crucial elections coming up this year including those in Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. -- Liz Mathew

For more analysis follow our Live Blog

When the vote-counting process completed two hours, the National People's Party (NPP) was leading in 21 seats while the BJP was ahead in 10 segments, TMC in 9, Congress in 6, UDP in 4 and Others in 9, NDTV reported.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha is leading in the Town Bardowali constituency, as per the Election Commission. He is leading by a margin of over 300 votes over Congress's Ashish Kumar Saha.

Meanwhile, in the Badharghat constituency, BJP's Mina Rani Sarkar is leading over the Left Front's Partha Ranjan Sarkar. In the Pabiachara constituency, Congress's Satyaban Das is leading over Left Front's Bhagaban Chandra Das. In Ramnagar, BJP's Surajit Datta is leading over Independent candidate Purushuttam Roy Barman. Follow Live Updates here

Early trends show BJP claiming a 19.5% vote share with a lead in two seats currently. Naga People's Front is predicted to claim a 10.3% vote share while National Democractic Progressive Party (NDPP) has a share of 20.4% share predicted. The exit polls have predicted a BJP-NDPP alliance win. Early trends have alloted a large chunk of vote percentage to independent candidtates too at 27.3%. Follow Live Updates here

BJP and allies are leading in 39 of 60 seats in Tripura elections in the first hour of counting. The Congress-Left alliance is leading in 15 seats and royal scion Pradyot Kishore’s TIPRA Motha party is leading in 6 others. BJP is also leading in Town Bordowali, the constituency of Chief Minister Manik Saha. He is leading ahead of Congress candidate Ashish Saha.

Follow live updates on Tripura election results here.

India Today: NPP ahead in 31, Congress in 5, BJP in 8, Others in 15

NDTV: NPP ahead in 22, TMC ahead in 11, BJP ahead in 9 UDP ahead in 8, Congress ahead in 6 

Times Now: NPP ahead in 16, Congress ahead in 10, BJP ahead in 8, others ahead in 25

The Trinamool Congress' (TMC) Dr Rajesh M Marak is leading from the Rongara Siju Assembly seat, as per ECI.

News18: NPP ahead in 9, Congress ahead in 6, BJP ahead in 5

Times Now: NPP ahead in 25, BJP ahead in 12, Congress ahead in 9, others ahead in 13 

NDTV: NPP ahead in 22, BJP ahead in 10, TMC ahead in 10, UDP ahead in 8, Congress in 7, Others in 2 

When the vote-counting process completed one hour in the northeastern state of Meghalaya, Chief Minister and National People's Party (NPP) leader Conrad Sangma was leading from South Tura constituency, NDTV reported.

20 minutes after the commencement of the counting of votes in Meghalaya, NDTV reported that Conrad Sangma's NPP is ahead in Meghalaya in very early leads. "Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma's National People's Party is leading in 12 seats while the Trinamool Congress is ahead in 6 seats. The BJP, which has fought on all 60 seats, is leading in 5 seats," NDTV reported.

The counting of votes of the Meghalaya Assembly elections has begun across 13 counting centres across the state on Thursday. According to the Meghalaya Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) FR Kharkongor, three-tier security arrangements have been made with Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) guarding the innermost layer and State Armed police will keep vigil over the second and third layers.

"We have 13 counting centres across the state, 12 in all district headquarters, one in Sohra Sub Division. 22 CAPF companies have been retained for purposes of ensuring 24x7 safeguard protocols in respect of the strong rooms containing the polled Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) of 3,419 polling stations in the 59 poll-going Assembly Constituencies and will stay on till April 4 for any post-poll contingencies/exigencies," Kharkongor said.

The counting centres are all placed under CCTV and webcast surveillance. There will be a total of 383 rounds of counting, with a maximum of nine rounds for the biggest assembly constituency Mawlai in East Khasi Hills District and four rounds for smaller ACs like Dalu in West Garo Hills District, informed the CEO. (ANI)

Counting of votes for #MeghalayaElections2023 underway; visuals from counting centre at Extension Training Centre in Tura pic.twitter.com/gteTnGBn3y

— ANI (@ANI) March 2, 2023

As Meghalaya votes on Monday, consensus persists among observers and politicians that parties matter little and it is personalities that drive people’s electoral choices. Yet, there are some subjects that again dominated electoral conversations, featuring routinely in manifestos and public speeches.

In Meghalaya, the fear of the “outsider”, often used to denote people from Bangladesh, is an enduring political issue. This time, while the passing of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) by the Narendra Modi government at the Centre made the issue even more prominent, what added fuel to the fire was the rise in the state of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), often described as a “Bengali party” or a party of “outsiders”. Read full Political Pulse here

Counting of votes began in Meghalaya at 8 am on Thursday amid tight security, a senior election official said. Votes polled in 59 of the 60 assembly constituencies of the state on February 27 are being counted at 13 centres across the state. Polling in Sohiong seat was adjourned due to the death of a candidate.

Twenty-two companies of central paramilitary forces have been deployed to guard the counting centres, Chief Electoral Officer F R Kharkongor told PTI. Exit polls have predicted a hung assembly in Meghalaya, as ruling National People's Party (NPP) is believed to have been holding parleys with the BJP for a possible post-poll alliance.

The CEO said that 14 counting halls have been arranged in Shillong and 11 in Tura. Over 500 observers have been deployed across the state. The Election Commission has banned victory processions till 4 pm on March 4. (PTI)

Of the three Northeastern states whose results will be declared on Thursday, the most closely contested battle, as per the exit polls, has been in Meghalaya.

A hung Assembly has been predicted in the state, with the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) predicted to end up with 20 seats. The BJP, an NPP ally in power but which fought the elections separately, may increase its tally from two to 6. The Trinamool Congress TMC) could win up to 11 seats. Read more to find out how all major parties are positioned going into results day

Stakes are high for the BJP ahead of the counting of votes on Thursday for three state assembly polls as results will signal if it has deepened its roots in Tripura, a Left bastion captured by the party in 2018, and made further inroads in Meghalaya and Nagaland, or the opposition has managed to dent its influence.

While regional parties remain bigger players in both Meghalaya and Nagaland, the BJP ran a determined campaign with its bigwigs, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, in the states to expand its footprints.

For the first time, the BJP has fought on all 60 seats in Meghalaya and constantly targeted National People's Party leader and Chief Minister Conrad Sangma for running the "most corrupt" state government in the country.

The BJP was a partner in the state government but broke ties ahead of the polls. The party hopes to boost its strength from two in the assembly to emerge as a more powerful player if the verdict throws up a hung assembly like the last time.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the BJP's pointsman for the northeast region, met Sangma after the polls in an indication that the two parties can do business together again.

An interesting sideshow to these election is the strong push by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress to make an impact in the polls to project itself as a stronger challenger to the BJP than the Congress, more so as the countdown to the next Lok Sabha polls in 2024 begins.

The Congress has also run an intensive campaign, with Rahul Gandhi holding a rally in Meghalaya, in its bid to claw back its lost influence in the states it once dominated. (PTI)

Meghalaya | The counting of votes for the Meghalaya Assembly elections will begin at 8 am. Visuals from counting centre at Extension Training Centre in Tura pic.twitter.com/yAXDrmDoRH

— ANI (@ANI) March 2, 2023

The District Magistrate has imposed Section 144 in Eastern West Khasi Hills, Meghalaya. A letter to this effect was issued by the office of district magistrate W Nongsiej, IAS.

Meghalaya | Section 144 imposed in Eastern West Khasi Hills district by the District Magistrate pic.twitter.com/JY8t1wHCp9

— ANI (@ANI) March 2, 2023

KAM Meghalaya or the Voice of the People Party (VPP) or Rising People’s Party (RPP) are unlikely to be in a position to form the government in Meghalaya or Nagaland after the results are declared. The government will be formed by established parties and leaders, if post-poll reports and surveys are right.

However, a host of new players have emerged in Meghalaya and Nagaland, which voted on Monday, and Tripura, where polling was held on February 16. These new entrants may not win many seats, but they point to a churn in society and dissatisfaction with the existing political class. Read full Editorial here