Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma expressed gratitude and satisfaction over the National People’s Party’s (NPP) victory in the Gambegre Assembly bypolls, describing the outcome as a reflection of the people’s commitment to development. “The results align with our expectations. We are deeply grateful to the people of Gambegre for their support and trust,” he stated.
The bypoll results marked a historic win for Dr. Mehtab Chandee A. Sangma, wife of CM Conrad Sangma, who clinched the Gambegre seat by a margin of 4,594 votes. Her victory broke Congress’ decade-long dominance in the constituency, which had been a political stronghold since its creation in 2013.
This win represents a significant milestone for the NPP, which had previously struggled to make inroads in Gambegre. In the 2023 Assembly elections, the party failed to secure even a runner-up position, trailing behind Congress and the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC). Gambegre was previously represented by Congress leader Saleng A. Sangma, who held the seat for three consecutive terms, including earlier from the now-defunct Dalamgiri constituency, before resigning after his Lok Sabha victory in Tura earlier this year.
Dr. Mehtab Chandee’s victory is particularly notable as it marks her debut in electoral politics. She successfully overcame strong contenders, including Sadhiarani M. Sangma of AITC. Sadhiarani, a seasoned political figure and Member of District Council (MDC) in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), has contested the seat twice before. She is also the wife of former state minister Zenith Sangma and sister-in-law of Mukul M. Sangma, Leader of Opposition and former Meghalaya Chief Minister.
The BJP’s Bernard N. Marak, another MDC and a prominent political leader, was also in the fray but failed to replicate his earlier electoral successes. Marak, who had previously secured a runner-up position in the South Tura Assembly election against Conrad Sangma, could not make significant headway in Gambegre.
Meanwhile, Congress, despite its historic dominance in the constituency, saw its candidate Jingjang M. Marak finish third. A close aide of Saleng A. Sangma, Jingjang failed to regain the party’s foothold, signaling a significant shift in the political dynamics of Gambegre.
This victory not only underscores NPP’s growing influence but also establishes Dr. Mehtab Chandee Sangma as a rising political force, setting a new trajectory for the party in the region.
Read More: Two More Arrested for Vandalism and Arson in Manipur, Total Reaches 34