NCP to contest 39 seats in Meghalaya

Shillong, Feb 16 (UNI) The Nationalist Congress Party in Meghalaya has decided to contest in 39 Assembly constituencies with former Lok Sabha Speaker Purno A Sangma as their chief ministerial candidate.

'' We have decided to contest all the 24 seats in Garo Hills and a minimum of 15 seats in Khasi and Jaintia hills,'' Meghalaya's NCP president Dr W R Kharlukhi told reporters here today.

Dr Kharlukhi said Mr Sangma would contest from Tura assembly constituency in Garo Hills.

Meghalaya goes to polls early next year.

The party will officially release the names of NCP candidates from Garo Hills on February 28 at Tura, he said.

Dr Kharlukhi also said the NCP has decided to field young and qualified candidates to ensure all round development of the state.

The NCP president said the party would also encourage young educated women to contest the electoral battle.

UNI