Cong still strong in urban pockets

SHILLONG: The Congress’s rivals thought it was a sinking ship in Meghalaya but Saturday’s verdict gave a completely different picture, especially in the urban pockets where the party put up an impressive show.
Congress candidate from East Shillong Ampareen Lyngdoh defeated BJP’s Neil Antonio War by a margin of 6,074 votes.
The Congress also did well in Nongthymmai constituency where Charles Pyngrope made a comeback after defeating UDP’s Jemino Mawthoh by a margin of 957 votes.
In West Shillong, UDP’s sitting MLA Paul Lyngdoh was defeated by Congress’s Mohendro Rapsang by a margin of 1,924 votes.
The Congress also made a comeback in Mawlai where PT Sawkmie secured 9,253 votes defeating Independent Teiborlang Pathaw at 7,679 votes.
The North Shillong went to the lone KHNAM winner Adelbert Nongrum who defeated BJP’s JA Lyngdoh by a narrow margin of 406 votes.
Two urban constituencies, Pynthorumkhrah and South Shillong, went to BJP’s AL Hek and Sanbor Shullai, respectively, won the elections comfortably.
The Congress also tasted success in Mawryngkeng where David Nongrum defeated PDF’s Highlander Kharmalki by a margin of 3,763 votes.
But the biggest upset for the national party was in Mylliem where Congress spokesperson and minister Ronnie V Lyngdoh lost to Hamletson Dohling of PDF by 465 votes.