SHIILLONG: The 2018 Assembly polls was definitely full of surprises and major upsets as many senior and veteran leaders lost the polls from the constituencies which was considered to be bastion for them.
In Shillong, the biggest names which lost the elections include Home Minister, HDR Lyngdoh from Sohiong constituency who lost to Samlin Malngiang from the Hill State People’s Democratic party
Lyngdoh secured 11338 votes while Malngiang secured victory with 11960 votes.
A major surprise came in West Shillong as well where the sitting MLA Paul Lyngdoh from United Democratic Party (UDP) lost to Mohendro Rapsang of Indian National Congress.
Rapsang who was contesting against Lyngdoh for the second time in a row after the 2013 polls comprehensively defeated his rival after securing 10288 votes whereas Paul Lyngdoh secured 8304
Two time HSPDP MLA from Nongkrem, Ardent Basaiawmoit also lost to independent candidate, Lambor Malnigang with a narrow margin of 76 votes as Malngiang was declared winner with 8274 votes while Basaiawmoit secured 8198 votes.
Another setback came in Nongthymmai constituency where sitting MLA, Jemino Mawthoh lost to Charles Pyngrope of INC. Pyngrope secured 10225 votes while Mawthoh managed 9268 votes.
The veteran leader, Rowell Lyngdoh who deserted Congress and contest the polls as NPP candidate also lost the elections from Mawkyrwat and he stood third in the list of candidates securing the highest number of votes.
Rowell Lyngdoh secured 4038 votes while Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar of HSPDP won the seat with 6777 votes.
The veteran leader of Congress, Salseng Marak also lost the elections to NPP’s Timothy Shira by a margin of well over 1500 votes.
Salseng Marak got 4957 votes while Timothy Shira became the winner with 6720 votes.
