Indus Valley Times

SHILLONG, FEB. 27: Polling began in 59 of 60 assembly constituencies in Meghalaya at 7 am on Monday as 21.6 lakh voters are eligible to seal the electoral fate of 369 candidates, with the ruling National People’s Party fighting to retain power and the BJP, Trinamool Congress and other regional parties vying to bring about a change in the government.

Meghalaya assembly polls: Over 26.7 per cent voter turnout recorded till 11 am

“Polling percentage is 12.19 per cent till 9 am. Voting is peaceful as of now,” the Election Commission official said.

Voting is underway at 3,419 polling stations, of which 640 have been categorised as ‘vulnerable’ and 323 as ‘critical’, Chief Electoral Officer F R Kharkongor said.

Polling will continue till 4 pm.

Thirty-six of the 369 candidates are women, with the most significant number of 10 women candidates being put up by Congress.

Polling in the Sohiong assembly constituency has been adjourned due to the death of one of the candidates.

“Over 19,000 polling personnel and 119 companies of CAPFs have been deployed in polling stations. They have been backed by state policemen to maintain law and order,” the CEO said.

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma is contesting from the South Tura constituency where he will lock horns with militant-turned-politician Bernard Marak.

Leader of Opposition and TMC leader Mukul Sangma is contesting from two seats – Songsak and Tikrikilla. His wife D D Shira is also in the fray.

-PTI