NONGSTOIN: The ‘Lion’ (HSPDP) devoured West Khasi Hills District capturing three seats out of five and with the other two seats going to the UDP, electorates of West Khasi Hills District made it clear that the INC was not welcome in the district.
In West Khasi Hills, the three sitting MLAs emerged victorious. Metbah Lyngdoh (UDP) of Mairang- Nongkhlaw, Brolding Nongsiej (UDP) of Pariong-Mawthadraishan and K P Pangniang (HSPDP) of Rambrai- Jyrngam will now don the dual role of MLA and MDC. Besides, two MDCs namely K P Pangniang and L G Nongsiej (HSPDP) of Nongstoin retained their MDC seats.
In Nongstoin, L G Nongsiej (HSPDP) trounced Dr Pariong (INC) by a margin of 1609 votes. It may be mentioned that this is the second time that Dr Pariong lost from the same constituency to the same party, HPDP, in two different elections- Assembly and KHADC. Similarly, in Rambrai- Jyrngam K P Pangniang (HSPDP) defeated his rival Kimfa Marbaniang (INC) for the second time (once in the Assembly elections) by securing 7915 votes.
In Pariong-Mawthadraishan, Brolding Nongsiej (UDP) defeated his rival Fenela Nonglait (HSPDP) once again by securing 10280 votes. In Mawshynrut Morningstar Mawsor (HSPDP) won against Srally Rashir (INC) by securing 10172 votes. In Mairang, Metbah Lyngdog (UDP) secured 11907 votes and defeated his nearest rival Lawrence Basaiawmoit (INC). Enbin K Raswai (HSPDP) former MDC of Mawkyrwat, South West Khasi Hills did have a strong chance of retaining his seat. His foray into the MDC battle would have ensured the HSPDP another seat. However, owing to a car accident, he had to remain aloof from contesting on health grounds.