A day after the EC granted the NPP the status of a national party, its president and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has asserted that his party would never compromise on the aspirations of northeast people, while trying to expand its base beyond the region.

Addressing the party's first northeast co-ordination committee meeting here on Saturday, Sangma said the National People's Party (NPP) aims to take part in the country's policy-making decisions and work for the voiceless and the marginalized sections.

"Our motto and mission to serve the people of northeast will always be of supreme importance, as we begin a fresh chapter to expand our footprint in new regions and strengthen our organization in the states where we already have a presence," he said.

An ally of the BJP in Meghalaya, the Sangma-led party on Friday became the first political outfit in the northeast to have earned the tag of a national party.

It has been recognised as a state party by Election Commission (EC) in four states Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya and Nagaland.

"The recognition of NPP as a national party is a great achievement for the people of northeast. I take this opportunity to congratulate each member of the party, who has worked tirelessly in different states.

"It is a moment for all of us to remember the ideals of our late leader (party's founder) Purno Sangma, whose contributions have made this possible. Though he is not among us today, his ideals will live forever," the CM said.

Talking about the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, which the BJP has promised to bring into force despite massive protests in the region, Sangma said his party would urge the Centre to hold parleys with all stakeholders and build confidence among people before making a move.

"We will never compromise on the regional aspirations of the people of northeast and engage in consultations to protect and safeguard the interest of the indigenous communities," he maintained.

The 'national party' tag is a "testimony of how every member has worked for it, brick by brick", the NPP boss said.

"It is the because of collective contribution of all states, including candidates who contested and lost the polls and MLAs who won, that the party was accorded the status.

"The NPP is not just a party from the northeast, but a party purely created by the northeast to fulfil the aspiration of our people," Sangma added.

The NPP has 21 MLAs in the 60-member Meghalaya House, four in the Manipur House and five MLAs in Arunachal Pradesh. It had two MLAs in Nagaland until they merged with the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party earlier this year.

Veteran leader and former chief minister D D Lapang, who was also present at the meeting, said the party will prepare a road map to take its ideologies and vision to every nook and corner of the northeast.

"It is our responsibility to carry forward the onus of representing the regional aspirations at the national level. The NPP has remained committed and it will continue to fulfil its agenda," Lapang said.

Among others who were present at Saturday's meet were Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Joykumar Singh and legislative party leader of Arunachal Pradesh Mutchu Mithi.&nbsp;

A day after the EC granted the NPP the status of a national party, its president and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has asserted that his party would never compromise on the aspirations of northeast people, while trying to expand its base beyond the region.

A day after the EC granted the NPP the status of a national party, its president and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has asserted that his party would never compromise on the aspirations of northeast people, while trying to expand its base beyond the region. Addressing the party's first northeast co-ordination committee meeting here on Saturday, Sangma said the National People's Party (NPP) aims to take part in the country's policy-making decisions and work for the voiceless and the marginalized sections. "Our motto and mission to serve the people of northeast will always be of supreme importance, as we begin a fresh chapter to expand our footprint in new regions and strengthen our organization in the states where we already have a presence," he said. An ally of the BJP in Meghalaya, the Sangma-led party on Friday became the first political outfit in the northeast to have earned the tag of a national party. It has been recognised as a state party by Election Commission (EC) in four states Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya and Nagaland. "The recognition of NPP as a national party is a great achievement for the people of northeast. I take this opportunity to congratulate each member of the party, who has worked tirelessly in different states. "It is a moment for all of us to remember the ideals of our late leader (party's founder) Purno Sangma, whose contributions have made this possible. Though he is not among us today, his ideals will live forever," the CM said. Talking about the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, which the BJP has promised to bring into force despite massive protests in the region, Sangma said his party would urge the Centre to hold parleys with all stakeholders and build confidence among people before making a move. "We will never compromise on the regional aspirations of the people of northeast and engage in consultations to protect and safeguard the interest of the indigenous communities," he maintained. The 'national party' tag is a "testimony of how every member has worked for it, brick by brick", the NPP boss said. "It is the because of collective contribution of all states, including candidates who contested and lost the polls and MLAs who won, that the party was accorded the status. "The NPP is not just a party from the northeast, but a party purely created by the northeast to fulfil the aspiration of our people," Sangma added. The NPP has 21 MLAs in the 60-member Meghalaya House, four in the Manipur House and five MLAs in Arunachal Pradesh. It had two MLAs in Nagaland until they merged with the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party earlier this year. Veteran leader and former chief minister D D Lapang, who was also present at the meeting, said the party will prepare a road map to take its ideologies and vision to every nook and corner of the northeast. "It is our responsibility to carry forward the onus of representing the regional aspirations at the national level. The NPP has remained committed and it will continue to fulfil its agenda," Lapang said. Among others who were present at Saturday's meet were Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Joykumar Singh and legislative party leader of Arunachal Pradesh Mutchu Mithi.

Will continue to serve northeast people, expand National People's Party base: Conrad K Sangma

The Indian Army has launched a massive search operation in the jungles of Tirap, Longding, and Changlang districts to nab the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/arunachal-pradesh-mla-tirong-aboh-among-11-killed-in-terrorist-ambush-220482">killers of National People's Party (NPP) MLA Tirong Aboh</a> and ten others near Khonsa in Arunachal Pradesh's Tirap district on Tuesday, sources said here on Wednesday.

According to Army sources, all the likely routes of escape have been effectively blocked.&nbsp;Troops have launched intensive checks along Nagaland - Arunachal borders.

"The Army has intensified operations with increased area domination teams and mobile check posts being deployed in the adjoining districts of Nagaland," sources said.

"Additional forces including troops of Special Forces have also been inducted in the team," they said.

The Army has confirmed the deployment of specialist helicopters with night flying ability and night vision equipment to ensure "dynamic, real-time and all-around surveillance of the area during the prevailing bad weather conditions."

According to sources, reconnaissance helicopters, quadcopters, and tracker dogs are also extensively being employed in the operations. Sources further said the Army is working closely in synergy with the police, administration and intelligence agencies to identify the insurgents involved in the attack.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Indian Army has launched a massive search operation in the jungles of Tirap, Longding, and Changlang districts to nab the killers of National People's Party (NPP) MLA Tirong Aboh and ten others near Khonsa in Arunachal Pradesh's Tirap district on Tuesday, sources said here on Wednesday.

The Indian Army has launched a massive search operation in the jungles of Tirap, Longding, and Changlang districts to nab the killers of National People's Party (NPP) MLA Tirong Aboh and ten others near Khonsa in Arunachal Pradesh's Tirap district on Tuesday, sources said here on Wednesday. According to Army sources, all the likely routes of escape have been effectively blocked. Troops have launched intensive checks along Nagaland - Arunachal borders. "The Army has intensified operations with increased area domination teams and mobile check posts being deployed in the adjoining districts of Nagaland," sources said. "Additional forces including troops of Special Forces have also been inducted in the team," they said. The Army has confirmed the deployment of specialist helicopters with night flying ability and night vision equipment to ensure "dynamic, real-time and all-around surveillance of the area during the prevailing bad weather conditions." According to sources, reconnaissance helicopters, quadcopters, and tracker dogs are also extensively being employed in the operations. Sources further said the Army is working closely in synergy with the police, administration and intelligence agencies to identify the insurgents involved in the attack.

Indian Army launches search operations to nab killers of Arunachal MLA

Regional parties across the Northeast which are in alliance with the BJP will meet in Guwahati on Tuesday to put forth their objections to the controversial Citizenship Amendment Bill.

They will be joined by the JD(U), NDA's major ally in Bihar, and the AGP, which recently snapped ties with the BJP in Assam over the proposed legislation that seeks to provide Indian citizenship to non-Muslim nationals from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after six years of residence in India.

Meghalaya Chief Minister and National People's Party (NPP) president Conrad K Sangma is taking the lead role in convening the all-regional-parties meet Tuesday and the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) is the co-convenor of the meeting, Meghalaya's ruling party NPP leaders said Monday.

The MNF from Mizoram, NDPP from Nagaland, IPFT from Tripura, SDF from Sikkim besides NPP leaderships from Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Manipur have confirmed their participation in the meeting, they said.

KC Tyagi, general secretary of the Nitish Kumar's headed JD(U), arrived in Guwahati. Party's national vice president Prashant Kishore is expected to reach the city.

Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga left Aizawl Monday for Guwahati to attend the meeting of chief ministers and regional parties of the north-east to be held Tuesday on the issue of Citizenship Amendment Bill, ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) party sources said.

The regional parties across northeast which are meeting on the Citizenship Bill are members of BJP-led NEDA (North East Democratic Alliance).

Protests against the Bill have rocked the Northeast region, with those opposing it contending that it would harm the rights of the indigenous people.&nbsp;

The gathering to put forth their objections to the Citizenship Bill, which is piloted by the BJP, is bound to create more uneasiness for the party as the Northeast together accounts for 25 Lok Sabha seats. The BJP which either on its own or with NEDA allies is in power in all the eight northeastern states is eying them in the coming parliamentary polls.

"The chief minister (Sangma) has invited all political parties, mostly regional parties in the NE region, to discuss on the amendment of the Citizenship Bill. The meeting will be held at Vivanta Taj in Guwahati," Meghalaya state president of the NPP Wanweiroi R Kharlukhi told PTI.

All regional parties in Meghalaya, which are part of the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance, have confirmed their participation at the event, he said.

Regional parties from Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura are also attending the meeting, he added.

The NPP, which is the main ally of the BJP in the Northeast and part of the NEDA, had met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh last month to oppose the Bill.

The Meghalaya Democratic Alliance, also led by the NPP, has passed a resolution in the cabinet opposing the Bill.

The leaders of the AGP had last week met Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma at his residence at Tura.

A report from Aiwazl said that that the meeting, jointly convened by the AGP and the NPP, would deliberate on how to oppose the Citizenship Amendment Bill unitedly. 
"The cabinet meeting chaired by Zoramthanga had adopted a resolution resolving to oppose the passage of the Citizenship Amendment Bill and the chief minister had informed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh that the state government and the people of Mizoram were opposed to the legislation of the proposed amendment," sources said.

Majority of the northeastern states have come up with resolutions against the Citizenship Bill.

Even the BJP-led government in Manipur has expressed strong reservation against the Bill.

The JD(U) has supported the AGP and the AASU on the issue and has even announced that it would vote against the Bill in Rajya Sabha. Tyagi told reporters in Guwahati Monday that his party would vote against the Citizenship Bill when it will come up in the Upper House.

AGP president Atul Bora said that a convention of northeast political parties has been convened in Guwahati on Tuesday to voice their protest against the Bill together.

He said that "the entire Northeast is protesting the Bill and it's unfortunate that the Assam government has ignored sentiments of the indigenous people and is instead attacking and harassing people and organisations opposing the Bill".

Regional parties across the Northeast which are in alliance with the BJP will meet in Guwahati on Tuesday to put forth their objections to the controversial Citizenship Amendment Bill.

Regional parties across the Northeast which are in alliance with the BJP will meet in Guwahati on Tuesday to put forth their objections to the controversial Citizenship Amendment Bill. They will be joined by the JD(U), NDA's major ally in Bihar, and the AGP, which recently snapped ties with the BJP in Assam over the proposed legislation that seeks to provide Indian citizenship to non-Muslim nationals from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after six years of residence in India. Meghalaya Chief Minister and National People's Party (NPP) president Conrad K Sangma is taking the lead role in convening the all-regional-parties meet Tuesday and the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) is the co-convenor of the meeting, Meghalaya's ruling party NPP leaders said Monday. The MNF from Mizoram, NDPP from Nagaland, IPFT from Tripura, SDF from Sikkim besides NPP leaderships from Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Manipur have confirmed their participation in the meeting, they said. KC Tyagi, general secretary of the Nitish Kumar's headed JD(U), arrived in Guwahati. Party's national vice president Prashant Kishore is expected to reach the city. Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga left Aizawl Monday for Guwahati to attend the meeting of chief ministers and regional parties of the north-east to be held Tuesday on the issue of Citizenship Amendment Bill, ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) party sources said. The regional parties across northeast which are meeting on the Citizenship Bill are members of BJP-led NEDA (North East Democratic Alliance). Protests against the Bill have rocked the Northeast region, with those opposing it contending that it would harm the rights of the indigenous people. The gathering to put forth their objections to the Citizenship Bill, which is piloted by the BJP, is bound to create more uneasiness for the party as the Northeast together accounts for 25 Lok Sabha seats. The BJP which either on its own or with NEDA allies is in power in all the eight northeastern states is eying them in the coming parliamentary polls. "The chief minister (Sangma) has invited all political parties, mostly regional parties in the NE region, to discuss on the amendment of the Citizenship Bill. The meeting will be held at Vivanta Taj in Guwahati," Meghalaya state president of the NPP Wanweiroi R Kharlukhi told PTI. All regional parties in Meghalaya, which are part of the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance, have confirmed their participation at the event, he said. Regional parties from Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura are also attending the meeting, he added. The NPP, which is the main ally of the BJP in the Northeast and part of the NEDA, had met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh last month to oppose the Bill. The Meghalaya Democratic Alliance, also led by the NPP, has passed a resolution in the cabinet opposing the Bill. The leaders of the AGP had last week met Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma at his residence at Tura. A report from Aiwazl said that that the meeting, jointly convened by the AGP and the NPP, would deliberate on how to oppose the Citizenship Amendment Bill unitedly. "The cabinet meeting chaired by Zoramthanga had adopted a resolution resolving to oppose the passage of the Citizenship Amendment Bill and the chief minister had informed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh that the state government and the people of Mizoram were opposed to the legislation of the proposed amendment," sources said. Majority of the northeastern states have come up with resolutions against the Citizenship Bill. Even the BJP-led government in Manipur has expressed strong reservation against the Bill. The JD(U) has supported the AGP and the AASU on the issue and has even announced that it would vote against the Bill in Rajya Sabha. Tyagi told reporters in Guwahati Monday that his party would vote against the Citizenship Bill when it will come up in the Upper House. AGP president Atul Bora said that a convention of northeast political parties has been convened in Guwahati on Tuesday to voice their protest against the Bill together. He said that "the entire Northeast is protesting the Bill and it's unfortunate that the Assam government has ignored sentiments of the indigenous people and is instead attacking and harassing people and organisations opposing the Bill".

Northeastern allies of BJP to meet Tuesday in Guwahati against Citizenship Bill

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/conrad-sangma-to-take-oath-as-meghalaya-chief-minister-today-34798">National </a>People&#39;s Party(NPP) leader Conrad Sangma was today sworn-in as Meghalaya chief minister after he took oath in a glittering ceremony attended by BJP president Amit Shah and home minister Rajnath Singh.

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NPP&#39;s Conrad Sangma takes oath as Meghalaya CM in Shillong. <a href="https://t.co/bDZB4KnLM7">pic.twitter.com/bDZB4KnLM7</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/970889076516773888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In a much-anticipated&nbsp;oath-taking&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/conrad-sangma-to-take-oath-as-meghalaya-chief-minister-today-34798">ceremony, </a>NPP&nbsp;president Conrad Sangma&#39;s party members arrived in Shillong today to take oath to form the new government in&nbsp;Meghalaya&nbsp;as the BJP helped to setup another government in the North East.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-conrad-sangma-the-new-chief-minister-of-meghalaya-34833">Read: Who is Conrad Sangma?</a>

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Council of Ministers being sworn-in at oath ceremony in Meghalaya&#39;s Shillong <a href="https://t.co/SUWZEQ34cZ">pic.twitter.com/SUWZEQ34cZ</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/970892378017095681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Last week Meghalaya polls <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/dont-see-maturity-in-rahul-gandhi-himanta-biswa-on-congress-staking-claim-to-form-govt-in-meghalaya-34643">had thrown up a hung assembly</a>, however, to break the deadlock the BJP along with the United Democratic Party (UDP) extended support to the NPP after it bagged the second largest seats - 19 in all - in the 60 member state assembly.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Meghalaya?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Meghalaya</a> Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and BJP President Amit Shah arrive for oath taking ceremony of Meghalaya CM elect Conrad Sangma &amp; others in Shillong <a href="https://t.co/ehx91TcaUT">pic.twitter.com/ehx91TcaUT</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/970886677760823296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Although&nbsp;the Congress had bagged 21 seats but it wasn&#39;t able to cobble together a government as the Opposition was determined to form a &quot;non-Congress&quot; in the state.

During the polls, BJP got 2&nbsp;seats, the United Democratic Party bagged 6&nbsp;seats, the People&#39;s Democratic Front won 4 seats, the Hill State People&#39;s Democratic Party got 2&nbsp;seats, the NCP and the Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement won one seat&nbsp;each and Independents bagged three seats.

Congress which had bagged 21 seats wasn't able to cobble together a government

National People's Party(NPP) leader Conrad Sangma was today sworn-in as Meghalaya chief minister after he took oath in a glittering ceremony attended by BJP president Amit Shah and home minister Rajnath Singh. NPP's Conrad Sangma takes oath as Meghalaya CM in Shillong. pic.twitter.com/bDZB4KnLM7 — ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2018 × In a much-anticipated oath-taking ceremony, NPP president Conrad Sangma's party members arrived in Shillong today to take oath to form the new government in Meghalaya as the BJP helped to setup another government in the North East. Read: Who is Conrad Sangma? Council of Ministers being sworn-in at oath ceremony in Meghalaya's Shillong pic.twitter.com/SUWZEQ34cZ — ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2018 × Last week Meghalaya polls had thrown up a hung assembly, however, to break the deadlock the BJP along with the United Democratic Party (UDP) extended support to the NPP after it bagged the second largest seats - 19 in all - in the 60 member state assembly. #Meghalaya Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and BJP President Amit Shah arrive for oath taking ceremony of Meghalaya CM elect Conrad Sangma & others in Shillong pic.twitter.com/ehx91TcaUT — ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2018 × Although the Congress had bagged 21 seats but it wasn't able to cobble together a government as the Opposition was determined to form a "non-Congress" in the state. During the polls, BJP got 2 seats, the United Democratic Party bagged 6 seats, the People's Democratic Front won 4 seats, the Hill State People's Democratic Party got 2 seats, the NCP and the Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement won one seat each and Independents bagged three seats.

NPP leader Conrad Sangma sworn in as Meghalaya chief minister

National People&#39;s Party (NPP) president Conrad Sangma took oath as the 12th chief minister of Meghalaya in Shillong today.&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP president Amit Shah, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh and BJP national spokesperson Nalin Kohli were present at the swearing-in ceremony.&nbsp;

Here are the 12 MLAs who were sworn in as a council of ministers:

Prestone Tynsong, NPP 
Sniawbhalang Dhar, NPP 
James K Sangma, NPP 
Comingone Ymbon, NPP 
Metbah Lyngdoh, UDP 
Kyrmen Shylla, UDP 
Lahkmen Rymbui, UDP 
Banteidor Lyngdoh, PDF 
Hamletson Dohling, PDF 
AL Hek, BJP 
Samlin Malngiang, HSPDP

It must be noted that the council of ministers include five first-timers, meaning they have become an MLAs for the first time.

Three ex-Congress leaders &ndash; Prestone Tynsong, Sniawbhalang Dharm, and Comingone Ymbon, who joined the NPP before the polls have also been rewarded by giving them important portfolios and including them in the council of ministers.

NPP president Conrad Sangma's party members arrived in Shillong today to take oath to form the new government in Meghalaya as the BJP helped to setup another government in the North East

National People's Party (NPP) president Conrad Sangma took oath as the 12th chief minister of Meghalaya in Shillong today. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP president Amit Shah, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh and BJP national spokesperson Nalin Kohli were present at the swearing-in ceremony. Here are the 12 MLAs who were sworn in as a council of ministers: Prestone Tynsong, NPP Sniawbhalang Dhar, NPP James K Sangma, NPP Comingone Ymbon, NPP Metbah Lyngdoh, UDP Kyrmen Shylla, UDP Lahkmen Rymbui, UDP Banteidor Lyngdoh, PDF Hamletson Dohling, PDF AL Hek, BJP Samlin Malngiang, HSPDP It must be noted that the council of ministers include five first-timers, meaning they have become an MLAs for the first time. Three ex-Congress leaders – Prestone Tynsong, Sniawbhalang Dharm, and Comingone Ymbon, who joined the NPP before the polls have also been rewarded by giving them important portfolios and including them in the council of ministers.

Meghalaya: The full list of Conrad Sangma's ministers

National People&#39;s Party (NPP) chief Conrad Sangma took oath as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/conrad-sangmas-national-peoples-party-members-take-oath-to-form-govt-in-meghalaya-34822">twelfth chief minister of Meghalaya</a> on Tuesday. In the 60-member <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/npps-conrad-sangma-to-be-next-chief-minister-of-meghalaya-says-bjp-34635">Meghalaya Assembly</a> with an effective strength of 59, at least 30 seats is required to form majority. Sangma has the support of 34 MLAs - 19 from his own party NPP, two each from BJP and HSPDP, six from the UDP, four from the PDF and an Independent.

The 40-year-old is the youngest son of former Lok Sabha speaker P A Sangma, who died in 2016. He was elected a Member of Parliament in a by-election from the Tura constituency after his father&#39;s death.

Sangma took over as the president of National People&#39;s Party after his father&#39;s death.

He pursued his BBA in Entrepreneurial Management and MBA (Finance) from University of Pennsylvania and Imperial College, London. The bespectacled leader has a keen interest in music and likes to play guitar and piano. He has also organised a number of musical events in his home state.

In his free time, Sangma likes to read, spend time with family and listen to music. Travelling is one of his passions.

He is also the president of the Meghalaya Cricket Association and works closely with P A Sangma Foundation which is associated with education sector.

The 40-year-old is the youngest son of former Lok Sabha speaker P A Sangma, who died in 2016.

National People's Party (NPP) chief Conrad Sangma took oath as twelfth chief minister of Meghalaya on Tuesday. In the 60-member Meghalaya Assembly with an effective strength of 59, at least 30 seats is required to form majority. Sangma has the support of 34 MLAs - 19 from his own party NPP, two each from BJP and HSPDP, six from the UDP, four from the PDF and an Independent. The 40-year-old is the youngest son of former Lok Sabha speaker P A Sangma, who died in 2016. He was elected a Member of Parliament in a by-election from the Tura constituency after his father's death. Sangma took over as the president of National People's Party after his father's death. He pursued his BBA in Entrepreneurial Management and MBA (Finance) from University of Pennsylvania and Imperial College, London. The bespectacled leader has a keen interest in music and likes to play guitar and piano. He has also organised a number of musical events in his home state. In his free time, Sangma likes to read, spend time with family and listen to music. Travelling is one of his passions. He is also the president of the Meghalaya Cricket Association and works closely with P A Sangma Foundation which is associated with education sector.

Profile of Conrad Sangma, the new Chief Minister of Meghalaya

Assam Finance, Health and Education Minister and Northeast Democratic Alliance (NEDA) convenor Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) along with regional parties will form the next government in Meghalaya so that a non-Congress government comes to power in the state.

&quot;I am confident that the regional parties and the BJP will form the government in Meghalaya together. The people in Meghalaya have rejected the Congress. We are committed to giving them an alternate form of government and we are moving in that direction only,&quot; Himanta told ANI.

After Meghalaya saw a hung assembly, the BJP on Saturday suggested that the regional parties -- National People&#39;s Party (NPP) and the United Democratic Party (UDP) enter into an alliance to form a &quot;non-Congress government&quot; in the state.

Newly elected MLA Shri AL Hek has been declared the Leader of BJP Legislature Party in Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, wrote Union minister Kiren Rijiju on Twitter.&nbsp; 
 
Independent candidate Samuel Sangma met BJP&#39;s Himanta Biswa Sarma and extended support to the BJP. Also&nbsp;read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-stakes-claim-to-form-government-in-meghalaya-34582"> Congress stakes claim to form the </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-stakes-claim-to-form-government-in-meghalaya-34582">government</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/congress-stakes-claim-to-form-government-in-meghalaya-34582"> in Meghalaya</a>. 
&nbsp;

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Newly elected MLA Shri A.L. Hek is declared the Leader of BJP Legislature Party in Meghalaya Legislative Assembly. <a href="https://t.co/aQ8a4v04ah">pic.twitter.com/aQ8a4v04ah</a>
&mdash; Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) <a href="https://twitter.com/KirenRijiju/status/970193411469926400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the UDP -- one of the most important regional parties -- is also holding talks and is likely to call the shots in the elections.

The BJP could only win two seats in the 60-member house. The Congress retained its hold in the state by winning 21 seats, 10 short of the 31 needed for a majority.

The NPP won 19 seats, while other regional parties won 17 seats, implying that even though the Congress has won, it still may not form the government in the state.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

 
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After Meghalaya saw a hung assembly, the BJP on Saturday suggested that the regional parties -- National People's Party (NPP) and the United Democratic Party (UDP) enter into an alliance to form a 'non-Congress government' in the state.

Assam Finance, Health and Education Minister and Northeast Democratic Alliance (NEDA) convenor Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) along with regional parties will form the next government in Meghalaya so that a non-Congress government comes to power in the state. "I am confident that the regional parties and the BJP will form the government in Meghalaya together. The people in Meghalaya have rejected the Congress. We are committed to giving them an alternate form of government and we are moving in that direction only," Himanta told ANI. After Meghalaya saw a hung assembly, the BJP on Saturday suggested that the regional parties -- National People's Party (NPP) and the United Democratic Party (UDP) enter into an alliance to form a "non-Congress government" in the state. Newly elected MLA Shri AL Hek has been declared the Leader of BJP Legislature Party in Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, wrote Union minister Kiren Rijiju on Twitter. Independent candidate Samuel Sangma met BJP's Himanta Biswa Sarma and extended support to the BJP. Also read: Congress stakes claim to form the government in Meghalaya. Newly elected MLA Shri A.L. Hek is declared the Leader of BJP Legislature Party in Meghalaya Legislative Assembly. pic.twitter.com/aQ8a4v04ah — Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) March 4, 2018 × Meanwhile, the UDP -- one of the most important regional parties -- is also holding talks and is likely to call the shots in the elections. The BJP could only win two seats in the 60-member house. The Congress retained its hold in the state by winning 21 seats, 10 short of the 31 needed for a majority. The NPP won 19 seats, while other regional parties won 17 seats, implying that even though the Congress has won, it still may not form the government in the state. (With inputs from ANI)

BJP says will form next government in Meghalaya

BJP leader Kiren Rijiju met UDP president Donkupar Roy at his residence today to discuss the formation of a non-Congress government in Meghalaya, under the leadership of the National People&#39;s Party (NPP), which secured the second position in the state assembly polls with 19 seats.

&quot;We are not a big player here. We have come to express our support to the regional parties to form a non-Congress government,&quot; Rijiju told said after coming out of Roy&#39;s residence here.

Meghalaya threw up a fractured mandate yesterday with the ruling Congress emerging as the largest party, marginally ahead of its rival, the NPP, an ally of the BJP at the Centre and in Manipur.

The Congress bagged 21 seats in the 60-member Assembly, eight less than the last elections.

The BJP, which drew a blank in the last elections, got two seats. The United Democratic Party (UDP) won six seats while its alliance partner the HSPDP won two seats. The People&#39;s Democratic Front (PDF) bagged four seats, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) and three Independents got one seat each.

UDP general secretary Jemino Mawthoh said his party, too, has made it clear during the meeting that it favours a non-Congress government in the state. 
&quot;We will be discussing government formation with our alliance partners and members of the PDF and the KHNAM soon,&quot; he said.

Assam BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma had also met the UDP president earlier in the day to discuss alliance possibilities, he said.

&quot;The UDP, which had led a regional alliance in 2008, still feels the pangs of betrayal by the Congress, which overthrew the coalition a year after to remain in power alone for a decade,&quot; Mawtoh said.

The memories of 2009 are still fresh and the UDP, this time, prefers to work with the non-Congress parties, he said.

&quot;Although we (UDP) are at an advantage point to bargain for seats, we will still follow democratic conventions,&quot; he added.

Polling for 59 seats of the 60-member Assembly in Meghalaya was held on February 27. A Nationalist Congress Party candidate was killed in an IED blast, which resulted in countermanding of the polls in one seat.&nbsp;

'We are not a big player here. We have come to express our support to the regional parties to form a non-Congress government,' Rijiju said

BJP leader Kiren Rijiju met UDP president Donkupar Roy at his residence today to discuss the formation of a non-Congress government in Meghalaya, under the leadership of the National People's Party (NPP), which secured the second position in the state assembly polls with 19 seats. "We are not a big player here. We have come to express our support to the regional parties to form a non-Congress government," Rijiju told said after coming out of Roy's residence here. Meghalaya threw up a fractured mandate yesterday with the ruling Congress emerging as the largest party, marginally ahead of its rival, the NPP, an ally of the BJP at the Centre and in Manipur. The Congress bagged 21 seats in the 60-member Assembly, eight less than the last elections. The BJP, which drew a blank in the last elections, got two seats. The United Democratic Party (UDP) won six seats while its alliance partner the HSPDP won two seats. The People's Democratic Front (PDF) bagged four seats, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) and three Independents got one seat each. UDP general secretary Jemino Mawthoh said his party, too, has made it clear during the meeting that it favours a non-Congress government in the state. "We will be discussing government formation with our alliance partners and members of the PDF and the KHNAM soon," he said. Assam BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma had also met the UDP president earlier in the day to discuss alliance possibilities, he said. "The UDP, which had led a regional alliance in 2008, still feels the pangs of betrayal by the Congress, which overthrew the coalition a year after to remain in power alone for a decade," Mawtoh said. The memories of 2009 are still fresh and the UDP, this time, prefers to work with the non-Congress parties, he said. "Although we (UDP) are at an advantage point to bargain for seats, we will still follow democratic conventions," he added. Polling for 59 seats of the 60-member Assembly in Meghalaya was held on February 27. A Nationalist Congress Party candidate was killed in an IED blast, which resulted in countermanding of the polls in one seat.

Rijiju meets UDP chief to discuss government formation in Meghalaya