VPP Wins Majority in KHADC Elections
The opposition Voice of the People’s Party (VPP), known for its strong stand against corruption, has removed the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) from power in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) in Meghalaya, officials confirmed on Monday.
VPP Secures Key Position in JHADC
Along with its KHADC victory, VPP also emerged as the second-largest party in the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC). The elections for the tribal councils were held last week, and results were officially announced on Monday.
Election Results: A Shift in Power
Under the leadership of Ardent Basaiawmoit, the VPP secured 17 out of 29 seats in KHADC, while the ruling NPP managed only four seats. Other party results included:
- United Democratic Party (UDP) – 5 seats
- Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) – 1 seat
- Independents – 2 seats
In JHADC, VPP won 8 out of 29 seats, making it the second-largest party after NPP, which secured 13 seats. Other results included:
- United Democratic Party (UDP) – 3 seats
- Congress – 3 seats
- Independents – 2 seats
BJP and Congress Struggle in Elections
The BJP, despite being an ally of the ruling NPP, failed to secure any seats in both councils, even after contesting 17 seats in KHADC and 14 in JHADC. The Congress also failed to win any seats in KHADC, marking the first time the national party was completely absent from the tribal council.
High Voter Turnout in Meghalaya
The elections witnessed a strong voter turnout:
- Over 70% of 3 lakh voters in JHADC participated
- Nearly 60% of 9.9 lakh eligible voters in KHADC cast their votes
A total of 272 candidates, including 12 women, contested for seats in the tribal councils, marking a significant political shift in Meghalaya.
