Meghalaya exit poll results: Pollster predicts NDA and INC locked in close contest for 2 seats

NEW DELHI: Polling agency Matrize has unveiled its exit poll results for Meghalaya, offering insights into the electoral landscape of the northeastern state ahead of the Lok Sabha election results. According to their projections, both the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Indian National Congress (INC) are engaged in a tight contest for the state's two parliamentary seats.
The exit poll suggests that the NDA is likely to win between 0 to 1 seat in Meghalaya, reflecting a potential presence for the alliance in the state's parliamentary representation.Similarly, the INC is also projected to secure between 0 to 1 seat, indicating a keen competition between the two major alliances.
With only two seats at stake, every seat holds significant importance in Meghalaya's electoral landscape.
Lok Sabha elections in Meghalaya, held on April 19, 2024, saw the state's electorate cast their votes to choose two representatives for the 18th Lok Sabha. The overall voter participation in the state reached 76.60%, with a notable difference between male and female turnout. While 74.35% of male voters exercised their right to vote, the female voter turnout was higher at 78.80%.
In the state capital, Shillong, the voter turnout was recorded at 73.78%. The city witnessed a lower male turnout of 70.94% compared to the female turnout of 76.50%. On the other hand, Tura experienced a higher voter participation rate of 81.37%. The male turnout in Tura was 79.96%, while an impressive 82.81% of female voters cast their ballots.
Candidates in the Meghalaya Lok Sabha elections for Shillong (ST) constituency include Vincent Pala from INC, Ampareen Lyngdoh from NPP, and Robertjune Kharjahrin from UDP, while for Tura (ST) constituency, the candidates are Saleng A. Sangma from INC, Agatha Sangma from NPP, and Zenith Sangma from AITC.
In the 2019 general elections, Meghalaya witnessed a keenly contested battle, with the NPP making significant gains, securing victory in one parliamentary seat. The Indian National Congress also retained its stronghold in the state by winning the other parliamentary constituency, reflecting the competitive nature of politics in Meghalaya.
The state's political arena is predominantly influenced by regional parties, with the National People's Party (NPP) emerging as a significant player in recent years. Led by leaders like Conrad Sangma, the NPP has carved a niche for itself, challenging the traditional dominance of parties like the Indian National Congress and the United Democratic Party (UDP).