CURTAINS DOWN ON CAMPAIGNING IN MEGHALAYA AND NAGALAND
GUWAHATI: After weeks of intense efforts to woo voters, campaigning for Meghalaya and Nagaland assembly polls came to an end on Sunday afternoon.
Candidates in both the northeastern states made last-ditch efforts to connect with voters by 4pm — the deadline to stop campaigning. Polling will take place on February 27 and counting of votes is on March 3.
A THREE-CORNERED BATTLE IN MEGHALAYA
In Meghalaya, it’s a three-cornered battle between the ruling Congress, a resurgent BJP and the National People’s Party.
Independents and a regional alliance between the United Democratic Party, the Hill State People’s Democratic Party and the Garo National Council could prove crucial to government formation if no party manages to secure a majority.
A total of 370 candidates are in the fray in Meghalaya — 32 women — for the 60 seats. Polling has been countermanded for Williamnagar seat following the death of Nationalist Congress Party candidate Jonathone N Sangma in a militant attack.
BJP’S OLD AND NEW ALLIES IN NAGALAND
Till the start of this month, there was uncertainty whether election would be held in Nagaland due to a call by tribal councils and civil groups urging postponement of polls till a solution to the Naga peace talks can be found.
Eleven parties, both national and regional, had even agreed to boycott the polls. But with the BJP backing off , the agreement fell through.
This time, the BJP ditched its 15-year alliance with the ruling Naga People’s Front and stitched a friendship with the newly formed Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP).
The Congress, once the most powerful party, failed to find enough candidates and is contesting from only 18 seats. There are 195 candidates in fray for 59 seats.