Congress surging ahead in Meghalaya

SHILLONG: The ruling Congress is surging ahead to retain power in Meghalaya as it was leading in 21 constituencies in the 60-member House while the United Democratic Party is leading in seven constituencies.

Congress chief and former chief minister D D Lapang is leading over UDP candidate Roma Khymdeit by over 1000 votes in 9-Nongpoh constituency.

Out of the 122 independent candidates in fray, 11 are leading.

HSPDP chief Hopingstone Lyngdoh is set to retain his seat from 32-Nongstoin constituency in West khasi Hills district while his former protégé in the last election and rival A Pariong is trailing by over 900 votes.

The P A Sangma-led National Peoples' Party is yet to find a place in the list after two hours of counting.

His two sons - Conrad and James - are trailing behind Congress candidates from Selsella and Dadenggre.