NCP snatches Congress seat in Meghalaya bypoll

Shillong, Dec 7 (UNI) Former militant leader of disbanded A'chik Liberation Matgrik Army Desang M Sangma of the NCP today wrested the Rongjeng constituency from the Congress in the Meghalaya Assembly by-poll.

Mr Sangma defeated his nearest Congress rival Mettrinson G Momin by a thumping margin of 4,671 votes in a four-cornered contest.

Returning Officer M K Marak said Mr Desang M Sangma polled 7,415 votes while the Congress secured 2,342 votes. The two Independent candidates -- former state Transport Minister and senior Congress leader Sujit K Sangma polled 2,744 votes and Congress Garo Hills Autonomous District Council member Ashutosh Marak secured 2,222 votes.

Both Mr Sangma and Mr Marak contested the by-poll as Independents, after being denied Congress tickets.

Talking to UNI over the phone from Williamnagar in state's East Garo Hills district, the victorious NCP candidate said his main task now was to ensure the all-round development of his constituency and the state as a whole.

''I will ensure that all projects implemented in the state should be in a transparent manner for the welfare and development of the people of the state,'' Mr Sangma said.

The Rongjeng by-poll was necessitated following the sudden demise of Congress Legislator Predickson G Momin.

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