Meghalaya now has four women legislators in a house of 60 legislators

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaNovember 23, 2024

The State of Meghalaya now has four women legislators in the house of sixty legislators with the victory of Dr. Mehtab Chandee Agitok Sangma in the bye election to Gambegre Assembly Constituency, the result of which was declared on Saturday morning.

Out of the four women legislators, three belonged to the ruling National People Party (NPP) and they are Dr Ampareen Lyngdoh of Shillong East, Santa Mary Shylla of Sutnga Saipung and Dr. Mehtab Chandee A Sangma while the fourth woman legislator is Miani D Shira of Ampati from All India Trinamool Congress party.

The strength of the NPP rose to 32 legislators and put the NPP in a comfortable position and could govern the State single handedly.

Dr Chandee defeated Sadhiarani Sangma, who is the lone All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) woman MDC and sister-in-law of former chief minister Mukul Sangma.

A majority of the Gambegre Constituency rejected the opposition Congress, which was vacated by former 3-time legislator Saleng A Sangma after he won the Lok Sabha election from Tura Parliamentary Constituency.

The BJP, who is supporting the NPP-led MDA government, also faced a humiliating defeat when its candidate Bernard N Marak, who is also a sitting MDC, forfeited security deposits by getting only 710 votes.

Speaking to reporters, Dr Chandee said her victory is a clear message that the people of Gambegre have voted for change and development.

“Well the message is loud and clear that the people have voted for a change today and people have voted for development and this is what we as a party and the leadership encourages and this is what we have been promoting and I think the message is clear,” she said while adding “I am happy that people have come to our party today and we have seen previously, we could never win the seat but the people of Gambegre have voted for change.”

“I think the whole Garo Hills and Meghalaya is experiencing that (change) right now with NPP at the government and we will do more and do our best to ensure that we give our best to the people,” Dr Chandee assured.

Elated by his wife’s victory, chief minister and NPP national chief Conrad K Sangma said, “The results were as per our expectations. We are very happy that the people of Gambegre have voted for development and we are committed to that and once again we would like to take this opportunity to thank the people of Gambegre.”

Stating every election is different, the CM said, “One has to look at elections from a different perspective and the things changed. Voters are very intelligent even though they may be from rural areas but they know what is good for them and how to vote in every election. So this election has voted for change in terms of the constituency and development.”

Asked, Sangma said, “Of course, we are very happy as a party and would like to thank the people of Gambegre for their support in this bye election and it is very heartening to see that people have voted for development and we want to assure the people of Gambegre that we will do everything in our capacity to make sure that we are able to fulfill our promises and deliver. There are many challenges but we will do our best to serve the people of Gambegre.”

“I also take this opportunity to thank all the leaders, party workers, MLAs, MDCs, who have worked very hard to support the candidature of Dr Mehtab Chandee A Sangma in this bye election,” he added.