Shillong: The election to the 60-member Meghalaya assembly today threw up a hung house with the ruling Congress emerging as the single largest party bagging 25 out of 59 seats for which polling was held on March three.

The Congress, which led a coalition Ministry in the outgoing assembly, is expected to form a government with the support of independents and two smaller parties -- Hill State People's Democratic Party (HSPDP) and Khun Hynnieutrip National Awakening Movement (KHNAM), political analysts said.

The NCP, led by former Lok Sabha Speaker P A Sangma, garnered 14 seats followed by the United Democratic Party (UDP) 11, HSPDP two and KHNAM and BJP one each.

Independents romped home in five constituencies. Polling for Baghmara constituency was postponed to March 22 following the death of Congress contestant Sengran M Sangma.

The NCP, a constituent of the UPA government at the Centre, is unlikely to be part of any Congress-led Ministry, the analysts said.

The Congress contested the election sans an alliance this time after having headed the outgoing Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government.

Chief Minister D D Lapang of the Congress retained the Nongpoh seat.

Deputy Chief Minister and UDP nominee Donkupar Roy won the Shella seat while another Dy CM and Congress contestant Mukul Sangma romped home from Ampatgiri constituency.

PWD Minister Zenith Sangma, brother of Mukul Sangma, was humbled by Adolf Lu Hitler R. Marak of the NCP in Rangsakona constituency.

Health Minister Debora C MJarak (Cong) lost to NCP's Marcuise N Marak in Rongrenggiri. Former Chief Minister and UDP nominee E K Mawlong wrested Umroi seat from the Congress.

Another former CM Flinder Anderson Khonglam (HSPDP) lost to Phlopour W. Khongjee in Sohra constituency.

Source : PTI