Conrad Sangma Stakes Claim to Form Govt in Meghalaya; May Take Oath as CM on March 7

Shillong: NPP chief Conrad K Sangma met Meghalaya Governor Phagu Chauhan on Friday to stake his party’s claim to form the government in Meghalaya.

Sangma is also the outgoing chief minister of the state. He claimed that he has an “absolute majority with 32 MLAs” on his side in the 60-member assembly.

NPP is the single-largest party in Meghalaya with 26 seats out of the 59 constituencies that went to polls on February 27. Addressing a press conference before going to Raj Bhawan, Sangma said, “We have an absolute majority. The BJP has already extended its support. Some others have also given their support.”

The UDP, which was NPP’s ally in the Conrad K Sangma government, emerged as the second-largest party, winning 11 constituencies. The Congress and the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC won five seats each, while the BJP secured two constituencies. The newly formed Voice of the People Party (VPP) won four seats, while the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) and the People’s Democratic Front won two seats each. Two Independent candidates also won.

Conrad Sangma is likely to take oath as Meghalaya CM on March 7, reported India Today. PM Narendra Modi is likely to attend the ceremony.