Continuing its winning streak, the BJP today wrested Tripura, the last Left bastion, and received an invitation to be part of the government in Nagaland, while Meghalaya elected a hung Assembly.
The BJP, which was hitherto a marginal player in Tripura politics, having failed to clinch even a single seat in the state in the last polls, has already won a majority on its own, pocketing 35 seats in the 60-member Assembly. BJP ally, Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT), won 8 seats.
The CPI(M), which ruled Tripura for 25 years running, won 16 seats.
Elections were held in 59 seats in all three states due to different reasons despite them having 60-member assemblies.
Nagaland headed for a hung Assembly with no party or pre-poll alliance having a majority. However, the BJP received invitation from NPF leader and Chief Minister T R Zeliang to join the new government. The NPF emerged as the single largest party having won 27 seats.
The BJP had parted ways with the NPF just ahead of the polls and joined hands with the newly launched NDPP of Neiphiu Rio. The BJP won 11 seats.
The Congress, which was in power in Meghalaya since May 2009, failed to win a majority but emerged the single largest party with 21 seats. The Nationalist Congress Party of Sharad Pawar has won one seat.
While the BJP could manage just two seats in Meghalaya, its North-East Democratic alliance partner National People's Party won 19. Smaller parties that have won 13 seats and three independents would play a decisive role in government formation.
As it happened:
# BJP takes over Tripura. The committment towards the development of North-East finally gets reflected in the poll results today! Hearty congratulations! The visionary efforts of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji and organisational skills of BJP National President Shri Amit Shah Ji successfully leads the party in making strong inroads in the North-East region: Vijay Rupani
# The people have stood with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s politics of development and the people of the north east have given the stamp of approval for four years of Modi government at the Centre. The politics of development of Modji has been accepted by the people across the country: Raghubar Das
8:30 pm: Janata Dal (United) Nagaland has decided to support the BJP in formation of a stable govt in Nagaland: JD(U) Nagaland
# Victory of BJP in Tripura Elections 2018 is not just an election victory but the victory of nationalist forces led by BJP over anachronistic and moribund left ideology. Many congratulations to PM Narendra Modi ji, Amit Shah ji and our indefatigable party workers. The last fort of the Left government in Tripura, where it was in rule for 22 years, has crumbled. As expected by the people, we will march ahead on the path of development there. People have also voted for the BJP to form an alliance government in Nagaland: Raman Singh
7:10 pm: We're extremely happy. We contested on 20 seats and have won 11 seats. CPI used goondaism & got rejected by people, we have only used democratic methods to contest this election. Congress is not relevant in Tripura & Nagaland: Ram Madhav, BJP on North East election results.
# BJP's polling agent didn't sign on controlling unit, didn't follow procedure & are now demanding re-polling. Met Chief Election Commissioner & he's assured he'll intervene & take action: Sitaram Yechury on counting of votes stopped in Manik Sarkar's constituency Dhanpur
6:55 pm: All parties, including BJP, will have to be alert and take care that Congress culture doesn't seep in somehow, says PM Modi
# There are some parties in India where steadily people rose in the ranks of hierarchy but their stature was diminished. Congress was never so diminished in size and state as it is today: PM
# People spreading rumors and confusion were given the best reply democratically: PM Modi
# Spreading fear and propaganda have been two weapons of Maoist ideology to suppress the will of the people. The people of Tripura have given a befitting reply by defeating them through ballots: PM
6:48 pm: Be it Kerala, Bengal or Karnataka, the way 2 dozen workers were murdered there, when they can't fight to the face they stooped down to this. Still we maintained silence. When we take action they cry 'vendetta'. This isn't vendetta but a step for the betterment of nation: PM Modi
# Northeast always felt that Delhi is far away from them, with the DoNER ministry we have brought Delhi to their doorsteps: Modi
6:44 pm: I do not have the figures but I think the elected team in Tripura is the youngest ever team. Some of them were even scared that would be rejected on the grounds of their age. Such young candidates successfully won people's confidence: PM Modi
6:40 pm: According to vastu, I have heard that the northeastern corner is the most important part of a home. If we fix the NE corner, the entire building will be improved. And now our North East is on the path to progress: PM Modi
# Till yesterday, the country was celebrating Holi but today the country is covered with the saffron colour: PM Modi
# To win or to lose in elections are a part of democracy. That is the beauty of democracy. One must accept their defeat with a sporting spirit: PM
6:35 pm: It is a journey from ‘NO ONE’ to ‘WON’: PM Modi
6:30 pm: PM Modi dedicates victory to party workers killed during elections. He pays homage to all such workers by observing silence for one minute
# So many BJP workers have sacrificed their lives. The Left party has received a befitting reply for spreading fear among people in Tripura, says Modi
6:20 pm: I would like to tell PM Modi that the path he is treading upon, 11 crore members are standing behind him on that path. Aap aage badhiye, 2019 mein isse bhi bada mandate milne wala hai: Amit Shah
6:10 pm: PM Modi arrives at BJP HQ
# Congress ruled here for 5 years & we hoped we would get majority this time too but that did not happen. It has been a long time since any political party got a majority here. Parties with same ideology should work together: Mukul Wasnik, Congress on election results in North-East
6 pm: Meghalaya elects a hung Assembly with ruling Congress emerging as single largest party with 21 seats: EC
Total: 59 seats -- Bharatiya Janata Party: 2 | Congress: 21 | Nationalist Congress Party: 1 | Hill State People’s Democratic Party: 2 | National People's Party: 19 | United Democratic Party: 6 | Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement: 1 | People's Democratic Front: 4 | Independent: 3
5:50 pm: BJP President Amit Shah Ji was camping in Tripura and worked on all possible micro, macro strategies to make this victory possible. This symbolises revolt of the proletariats against these communists. Tribals suffered at hands of Manik Sarkar: BJP strategist Rajat Sethi
# The results that have come prove that Congress-mukt Bharat is not just a slogan but a reality. In Tripura and Nagaland, the party is headed for a complete washout: Ravi Shankar Prasad
# On forming next government, Mukul Sangma sayd, "I would like to keep my cards close to the chest."
# The results were not on expected lines, but I am still looking forward: Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma
Manohar Parrikar congratulates PM Modi, Amit Shah
Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP national president Amit Shah for the party's good performance in the Assembly polls in three north eastern
states.
"Congratulations to PM @narendramodi ji, Shri @AmitShah ji, BJP Karyakartas, and the people of North East for the splendid performance of BJP in assembly polls and for the historic victory in Tripura," Parrikar tweeted.
# No question of BJP engaging in horse-trading in Meghalaya where ruling Congress has failed to win majority: Amit Shah
4:19 pm: We will march towards Karnataka, with this massive victory with us: Amit Shah
# Tripura polls results show that Left is not right for any part of the country: Amit Shah
# BJP might have a clear majority in Tripura but we will also include other members of our alliance in the cabinet: Amit Shah
# Victories in Tripura and Nagaland endorsement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, says Amit Shah
# In 2014 Narendra Modi Ji had said western side of the nation has developed a lot but the same has not reached the eastern side yet. He immediately started his 'Act East Policy'. I believe this is the victory of his (PM Modi) policies, stamped by the 3 states of the north-east: Amit Shah
4:14 pm: BJP president Amit Shah congratulated party workers for good show in NE states
# Thank you Nagaland for supporting @BJP4Nagaland and our valued ally. I assure my sisters and brothers of Nagaland that we will continue to work for the progress and prosperity of Nagaland. I applaud the tireless work of the local BJP unit: PM Modi
# I express my gratitude to the people of Meghalaya for supporting @BJP4Meghalaya. The welfare of Meghalaya is of utmost importance for us. I appreciate the BJP Karyakartas for their continued efforts in the state to serve the people: PM Modi
# The historic victory in Tripura is as much an ideological one. It is a win for democracy over brute force and intimidation. Today peace and non-violence has prevailed over fear. We will provide Tripura the good government that the state deserves: PM Modi
# The victory of @BJP4Tripura is not an ordinary electoral victory. This journey from ‘Shunya’ to ‘Shikhar’ has been made possible due to a solid development agenda and the strength of our organisation. I bow to every BJP Karyakarta for working assiduously on the ground for years: PM Modi
3:45 pm: 2018 Tripura election will be remembered as an epoch-making one! What my sisters and brothers of Tripura have done is extraordinary. No words will be enough to thank them for the phenomenal support towards @BJP4Tripura. We will leave no stone unturned in transforming Tripura: PM Modi
02:53 pm: "I thank brothers and sisters of Tripura for their massive support to BJP. This is the victory of PM @narendramodi’s politics of development and his commitment to the welfare of North-Eastern region of India," tweets the BJP president.
02:35 pm: BJP president Amit Shah to hold a press conference 4 pm today.
02:21 pm: PM Narendra Modi to arrive at the party headquarters at 6 pm.
02:10 pm: The way country is progressing under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi is commendable: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju to India TV
1:02 pm: Meghalaya Assembly election results: I will be supporting any party that works for the welfare of the people of state: SK Sunn, Independent candidate who won from Mawphlang constituency
12:45 pm: We have checked the CPM's style of contesting elections and we are well aware of the wrong ways being used by them. I believe that the decision of BJP's win is fair: Ram Madhav
12:30 pm: There are parties that are still trying to politicise caste and religion, but today people have voted for development: Ram Madhav
12:14 pm: Meghalaya Assembly election results | PWD minister and Congress candidate Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh wins from East Shillong constituency defeating her nearest BJP rival Neil Antonio War by over 5,000 votes.
12:13 pm: Meghalaya Assembly election results | Chief Minister and Congress candidate Mukul Sangma wins from both Ampati and Songsok constituencies, says Election Commission sources.
12:07 pm: In Meghalaya, the vote is basically against the Congress if you see the performance of other parties. Leaders will discuss if there can be possibility of a post-poll alliance, says BJP Meghalaya incharge Nalin Kohli
11:45 am: We will still wait for the final results but we are happy that the people of the state have chosen progress over monotony: Ram Madhav
11:44 am: The parliamentary board of our party will hold a meet today evening to decide on the further course of action after our win in Tripura: Ram Madhav
11:41 am: Trends in Tripura are an indication that the state will now move forward to path of development, says BJP's Ram Madhav
11:38 am: BJP's Viplav Dev likely to be Tripura chief minister.
11:30 am: BJP's Ram Madhav addresses the media in Tripura's Agartala
11:18 am: BJP's historic win in Tripura is a reason to celebrate, this shows the faith of the people in PM Modi, says UP CM Yogi Adityanath.
11:15 am: Tripura election results | Chief Minister and CPI-M politburo member Manik Sarkar (Dhanpur constituency), Health and PWD Minister Badal Choudhury (Hrishamukh), Education Minister Tapan Chakraborty (Chandipur), BJP President Biplab Kumar Deb (Banamalipur), BJP nominees Sudip Roy Barman (Agartala), Ratanlal Nath (Mohanpur) are leading over their rival candidates.
11:07 am: Sitting CPI-M legislator and Tribal Welfare Minister Aghore Debbarma (Asharambari constituency), Deputy Speaker of the Tripura assembly Pabitra Kar (Khayerpur), Samiran Malakar (Pabiachara), Manoranjan Debbarma (Mandai Bazar), Ratan Das (Ramnagar), Manindra Chandra Das (Kalyanpur-Promodnagar) are among the notable Left candidates who are trailing.
11:04 am: Meghalaya Election trends: Congress: 23, NPP: 14, BJP:5, Others: 17
10:38 am: Tripura election trends | CM Manik Sarkar leading from Dhanpur constituency by 1682 votes
10:15 am: Nagaland Election Results: NPF on 30 seats, BJP+ leading on 26 seats, Congress on 1, Others: 3
10:09 am: Meghalaya Election Trends | Congress: 24, NPP: 10, Others: 18
10:02 am: BJP's Himanta Biswa says trends are encouraging, he is hopeful and confident that BJP will form government in Tripura.
09:36 am: Tripura Assembly election early trends | CPM leading on 29 seats, BJP on 26 seats, Congress on 0
09:14 am: Meghalaya Assembly election early trends | Congress: 15, BJP:5, NPP: 11, Others 6
09:10 am: If Congress is governing the northeast states, it is supposed to own up the present condition of such states, which is not good: Union minister Kiren Rijiju
Check constituency wise results for Nagaland here
09:06 am: Congress president Rahul Gandhi did visit some northeast states but he never tried to find out the problems being faced by them: Union minister Kiren Rijiju
09:05 am: Apart from Tripura, other states have been governed by the Congress and the condition of such states is not good at present: Union minister Kiren Rijiju
09:02 am: People have faith in Modi government and are well aware of the hard work he has done for the country: Union minister Kiren Rijiju
09:01 am: I have just watched the trends on TV, this election will bring out some major changes in the Northeast: Union minister Kiren Rijiju to India TV
09:07 am: Nagaland Assembly election trends | BJP-NDPP alliance edges ahead of ruling NPF
08:55 am: Meghalaya Assembly Election early trends | NPP leading on 11 seats, Congress on 7, BJP on 5
08:50 am: Tripura election early trends | CPM leading on 25 seats, BJP on 20 seats, Congress on 2 seats
08:45 am: Early trends from Nagaland | BJP leading on 11 seats, NPF on 3 seats, Congress on 0
08:40 am: Additional Chief Electoral Officer Tapas Roy told IANS that under a three-tier heavy security cover counting of votes started in 59 counting halls, set up in 20 locations across Tripura.
08:38 am: Meghalaya Assembly election trends: Congress and BJP leading on 3 seats, UDP on 2
08:35 am: Early trends from Tripura | BJP leading on 12 seats, CPM on 11 seats, Congress on 0
08:30 am: Nagaland election trends | NPF leading on 1 seat, BJP-NDPP alliance on 10 seats
08:18 am: Early trends from Tripura:
CPM leading on 10 seats, BJP - 7 seats, Congress - 0
08:18 am: Prohibitory orders under 144 CrPc have been promulgated in and around all 20 counting places in Tripura as precautionary measures.
08:18 am: Nagaland Assembly election result | Former Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio declared unopposed winner.
08:14 am: Tripura Assembly election trends: BJP ahead on Agartala seat.
08:08 am: Tripura Assembly election first trend: Left ahead on one seat in Tripura.
08:05 am: A total of 290 candidates, including 23 women comprising the nominees of ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist, Communist Party of India, Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress and many independents, are trying their electoral fortune in the high pitched elections in Tripura.
08:00 am: Counting of votes in Meghalaya, Tripura, Nagaland begins.
07:42 am: Counting of votes to begin shortly.
06:55 am: In Tripura, over 92 per cent of state’s 2,536,589 voters had exercised their franchise in peaceful elections, setting a new record in the electoral history of India. While Nagaland and Meghalaya saw 75 per cent and 67 per cent polling respectively.
06:47 am: While the tenure of Left-ruled Tripura Assembly ends on March 14, the tenure of Nagaland and Meghalaya Assemblies will end on March 13 and 6, respectively.
06:43 am: In Tripura, the exit polls have suggested the BJP dethroning the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M)-led government that has had an uninterrupted run since 1993.
06:40 am: The BJP is contesting in 50 seats and left nine seats for its ally, the Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT). While the Congress has been ruling Meghalaya for 10 years, the Naga People's Front (NFP) has been in power in Nagaland since 2003, except for a three-month period of President's rule in 2008.
06:38 am: In Meghalaya, the Congress fielded 59 candidates, while the BJP put up nominees in 47 constituencies. For the first time, Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma is contesting from two seats.
ALSO READ | Meghalaya Assembly election results LIVE updates: Counting of votes to begin at 8 am
06:35 am: In Nagaland, the BJP has joined hands with the NDPP that was floated by former CM Neiphiu Rio. The NDPP is contesting on 40 seats and the saffron party on 20. The Congress, which has given three chief ministers to Nagaland since the state's inception in 1963, is contesting only in 18 seats, two less than the BJP.
