Amid the ongoing vote counting in Meghalaya, the Conrad Sangma-led National People’s Party (NPP) is leading. But it might not be able to touch the magic figure to form the government and may need the support of another party.
Meanwhile, the BJP, as per the latest trends, is currently leading in eight seats compared to the two the party won in the last Assembly polls.
In this scenario, the chances of the NPP joining hands with the BJP to form the next government is quite high.
Commenting on this, NPP leader Saidul Khan said: “We are having a close watch on the results. We have been keeping all options open.”
The other partner in the NPP-led government United Democratic Party (UDP) is so far leading in five seats.
They may also join the government if NPP fails to cross the halfway mark.
Notably, a day before the counting of votes began in Meghalaya, Chief Minister Sangma held a meeting with his Assam counterpart Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday.
Speculations are high that they have already spoke about a probable alliance.
Conrad Sangma, Mukul Sangma are leading, BJP state president trailing
As counting of votes is currently underway in Meghalaya, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma is leading from his South Tura constituency, while Trinamool Congress leader Mukul Sangma has also taken a lead against his NPP rival in Songsak.
However, the state’s BJP president Ernest Mawrie is trailing in West Shillong constituency.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister and NPP candidate Prestone Tynsong is leading from the Pynursla seat.
The Conrad Sangma-led NPP is leading in at least 24 seats, while the BJP is leading in seven.
Trinamool Congress is leading in 3 seats and Congress in three.