Shillong: With a fractured verdict in Meghalaya, the Congress, which went to the polls projecting it would emerge as the single-largest party and form the next government, on March 1 secured 22 seats in the 60-member House, five more than it had in the outgoing Assembly.

The party had also regretted entering the F A Khonglam Meghalaya People's Forum coalition ministry during campaigning.

Some of the coalition partners of the MPF also could not match their performance this time around in the February 26 elections, which would give a fillip to the bargaining powers of Congress.

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which had 15 Legislators, won a seat less this time, while the United Democratic Party's strength in the House came down to nine from 13.

The Hills State People's Democratic Party's position remained the same with two seats.

The Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which had three seats, secured one less this time, while Independents got five seats.

The Garo National Council, which had a lone member in the House, drew a blank this time.

Regional outfit Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement, political wing of Khasi Students Union, floated five months ago, bagged the Jaiaw seat, humbling former Finance Minister A H Scott-Lyndoh.

PTI