UDP MLA Pius Marwein wins Langrin by-poll with thumping majority

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 3, 2020

United Democratic Party (UDP) legislator of Ranikor Pius Marwein today won the bye-election to the Langrin seat of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) by a huge margin of nearly 7,000 votes.   

The bye-election was held on February 28, the result of which was declared on Tuesday. The Langrin seat fell vacant following the death of UDP sitting MDC Nasar Marwein on October, last year. 

Pius retained seat by defeating his closest rival, Jotin Khardewsaw of the opposition Congress by a margin of 6979 votes. The total votes polled by Pius were 13,821. 

Khardewsaw, who was backed by former Ranikor legislator Martin M Danggo, who recently quit from the NPP, could secure only 6842 votes. 

It may be mentioned here that Pius had defeated Danggo in the Ranikor Assembly bye-election held in 2018. 

On the other hand, the NPP however came third when its candidate Kitborlang Nongrem secured only 3,222 votes. 

Returning Officer HS Diengdoh later handed over the certificate of election to the winning candidate. 

Speaking to reporters, Pius said that today’s victory would further increase the strength of the UDP in the KHADC. 

He also thanked the people of Langrin constituency for reposing their faith in the party and said that this was also possible due to the hardwork and dedication of the party leaders and supporters right from the state level to the zonal level.   

He further assured to work hard for the interest of the people.

Meanwhile, the state government has imposed administrator’s rule in the KHADC since February 7, citing due to political instability and frequent changing of allegiance by the elected members of the Council. 

This decision has been challenged by the former KHADC chief and UDF leader Latiplang Kharkongor and the matter is still pending before the High Court of Meghalaya.