Conrad Sangma stakes claim to form govt with BJP in Meghalaya

Sangma-led NPP emerged as the single-largest party in Meghalaya on Thursday, bagging 26 seats out of the 59 constituencies that went to polls on February 27.

After getting a fractured mandate in Meghalaya, NPP chief Conrad K Sangma on Friday met Governor Phagu Chauhan and staked claim to form the government in the northeastern state.

Sangma claimed that he has an "absolute majority with 32 MLAs" on his side in the 60-member assembly but refused to give details of supporting parties.

Speaking to reporters outside Raj Bhawan, Sangma said, "We have an absolute majority. The BJP has already extended its support. Some others have also given their support."

On Thursday, Sangma called on Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking his support and blessings in forming the new government, according to a tweet by Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma. Later, the state BJP extended their support towards forming the government.

The Meghalaya election results came in line with the exit polls prediction as no party got a comfortable majority in the state.

Sangma-led NPP emerged as the single-largest party in Meghalaya on Thursday, bagging 26 seats out of the 59 constituencies that went to polls on February 27. The UDP emerged as the second-largest party, winning 11 constituencies.

While the Congress and the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC managed to win 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 emerged victorious.

In the 2018 Meghalaya election, the NPP won 19 seats, the Congress claimed 21 seats, and the BJP won two seats. The United Democratic Party (UDP) emerged victorious in six constituencies.

However, the NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) came to power with support from BJP, UDP, and other regional parties.