Letter from the Editor-in-Chief
Dear friends
March 2013
Verdict Northeast is clear. The results of the state elections held in the state of Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura are now known to us.
Meghalaya for the first time voted Congress for its development and continuity. In its Assembly of 60 members, Congress could secure as many as 29 seats, which is one of the highest Congress has ever secured, since the first time elections were held in 1972. Though the party is short of 2 (two) to cross the halfway mark, yet it will form the government. Many prominent sittings MLA’s including Mr. Charles Pyngrope, Speaker of Meghalaya Assembly, Mr. B. M. Lanong, Dy Chief Minister of Meghalaya and Leader of the opposition Mr. Conrad Sangma, lost the elections. Altogether 29 sitting MLA’s have lost. Meghalaya Elections are also indicative that in Garo Hills it’s Mukul Sangma who is overshadowing Purno. Purno’s personality and charisma has lost. It is the time for Purno Sangma for introspection. The facts that visible development in the state of Meghalaya under the leadership of Dr. Mukul Sangma also attracted the Congress party. However – conflict within the Congress, may leads to destabilization of the government in the days to come.
In Nagaland, its hat-trick for Mr. Rio. People have supported stability and Naga People’s Front swing back to power to form the government for the third consecutive time winning absolute majority by securing 37 seats out of a total of 59 seats. The result of 1 seat was not available till going to the press. The most interesting feature of this election was that NPF has improved its tally to 37 from earlier 26 seats they won in 2008. Nagaland was a serious setback for the Congress party which lost heavily securing only 8 seats as against 24 in 2008 elections.
Tripura was unique were left front secured 50 out of 60 seats reflecting the people’s support to the left front. This is for the fifth time that let front government has come to power in the state of Tripura and this result is being termed as the best result for the left since 1978. Congress however could retain its position from 2008 to 2013 which is 10 seats.
Dy Chief Minister of Meghalaya Mr. B. M. Lanong while speaking to the press rightly said and I quote “It is easier to know what is beyond the globe, but it is really difficulty to gaze the minds of the people at the time of the elections.” Rightly so who will win who will lose depends on the minds and the moods of the people and the percentage of votes that are polled.
Our cover story this month gives you an insight in the happenings on the elections. We as optimistic, look forward for better administration and functioning of the Government in these states.