MEGHALAYA,NAGALAND,TRIPURA: UPCOMING ASSEMBLY ELECTION 2018
The dates for the upcoming assembly election to Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura were announced on 18 jan by election commission. It will be the test for struggling congress and optimistic BJP to form the government in all three states. While addressing the press conference on 18 Jan 2017 chief election commissioner A K Joti said that "EVM and VVPAT will be used in all three states".
In Meghalaya, voting will be done on 27 Feb and counting of votes will be declared on 3 March. The Congress won 29 seats out off 60 in 2013 and lead Meghalaya United Alliance government with the help of independents. The current chief minister Dr. Mukul Sangma is all set to secure the status of Congress party. But this time fight is not going to be easy as BJP has made clear with current wins in other northeastern states in 2017.
In Nagaland, voting will take place on 27 Feb and result will be declared on 3 March, it also has 60 assembly seats.
Naga people's front (NPF) has been ruling with the ally BJP for last 15 years, Chief minister T R Zeliang leading the alliance. It has been a state ruled without any opposition. But this time Nagaland lone Lok Sabha member Neiphiu Rio brought some twist by quitting NPF and joined National Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) on wednesday. Now, it is likely to be contest between two regional party.
In Tripura, election will be held on 18 Feb and counting will be done on 3 March. Currently the state is ruled by Communist Party of India (CPI) with Manik Sarkar at the throne. This election will test the popularity of one of the longest-serving chief minister Manik Sarkar. It will not be easy for BJP to win Tripura. But BJP is now trying their best to upset the left parties in their own region.
Himanta Biswa Sarma has given major responsibility in the state. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is also visiting this area regularly. BJP feels that they will be able to defeat CPM this time.
