Meghalaya by-polls: Congress wins Ampati, becomes single largest party
What's the story
The Congress today became the single largest party in Meghalaya after its candidate Miani D Shira won the by-election from Ampati Assembly seat.
"The Congress candidate Miani D Shira won by 3191 votes. She secured 14,259 votes, while NPP candidate Clement G Momin secured 11,069 votes." Chief Electoral Officer FR Kharkongor said.
The third candidate, an Independent, Subhankar Koch, secured just 360 votes.
Party horses
Seat vacant after Shira's father vacated the seat this year
The seat fell vacant after Shira's father and former CM Mukul Sangma vacated the seat early this year.
After today's win, the Congress has 21 MLAs in the 60-member Assembly, one MLA more than the NPP, which is leading the coalition government with the regional parties and the BJP.
The United Democratic Party has 7 MLAs, Peoples Democratic Front 4, and HSPDP 2.