BJP-backed Conrad Sangma to be Meghalaya CM, swearing-in on Monday

AGARTALA(TRIPURA): In Meghalaya, National People's Party (NPP) supported by BJP and other regional parties has staked the claim to form the government while in Nagaland, People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) supported by BJP has done the same. On Sunday, NPP chief Conrad K Sangma met Governor Ganga Prasad and submitted the letter of support from other parties. The swearing-in of Conard as the chief minister will take place on Monday.

BJP’s Northeast India strategist Himanta Biswa Sarma tweeted, “Happy to share that 34 newly elected members belonging to NPP, United Democratic Party (UDP), People’s Democratic Party (PDF), Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) and one independent are meeting the Hon Governor to stake claim to form government in Meghalaya. Conrad Sangma will be the leader of this coalition.”

With the election results throwing up a hung house there is a series of political dramas in both the states. In Kohima, there were discussions between BJP and Naga People’s Front (NPF). The discussion was led by Union minister and BJP’s election in-charge in Nagaland Kiren Rijiju.


Congress has sent senior party leaders Kamal Nath, Mukul Wasnik and Ahmed Patel to Shillong to avert Manipur and Gao like situation. Congress has won 21 seats in the house of 60.

In Nagaland NDPP, BJP, JDU and Independent have formed the PDA which will be led by former chief minister Neiphu Rio.

JDU candidate G Kaito Aye and Independent candidate Tongpang Ozukum have extended their support to the NDPPBJP alliance. BJP has won 12 seats while NPF has won 27 seats. NPP has won two seats and NDPP 16.

Rio met Governor P B Acharya and handed over letters of support from BJP, JDU and Independent legislators. BJP’s national general secretary Ram Madhav was also present. A senior NPF leader said, “Not working with us may cost BJP in Lok Sabha polls in 2019. We are the ally of BJP in Manipur government.

Nagaland has one Lok Sabha seat and Manipur has two seats. If our interest is sidelined we will reconsidered our engagement in Manipur.”

In Tripura, the government formation process is expected to be completed by March 10. Union minister Nitin Gadkari and Jual Oram will visit Tripura on March 6 to meet the newly elected MLAs. BJP’s state unit is trying to get Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the swearing-in.

State president Biplab Deb is the front runner in chief minister’s race. Ally Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT) is eyeing the deputy chief ministers’ post.