Shillong, May 13: The calculation of NPP to secure the Sohiong seat and take the total strength of legislators to 29 went in vain as the UDP candidate Synshar Lyngdoh Thabah won the seat with a margin of 3422 votes taking the tally of UDP legislators to 12.
UDP is the second largest coalition group in the MDA-2 government led by the NPP.
The NPP made a last ditch effort to change its image in Khasi Hills by roping in PDF legislators to its fold by way of merger but it did not work as the result went in favour of the regional party.
In East Khasi Hills, after the Assembly elections, the NPP got only two seats-Prestone Tynsong and Ampareen Lyngdoh.
Ri Bhoi also drew nill.
The winner Synshar is the relative of former Sohiong UDP candidate HDR Lyngdoh who passed away ahead of the Assembly polls.
Votes polled by Sohiong candidates
Synshar Lyngdoh Thabah (UDP): 16679
Samlin Malngiang (NPP): 13257
S. Osborne Kharjana (INC): 1762
NOTA: 272
Seraph Eric Kharbuki: (BJP): 40
Stodingstar Thabah (AITC): 89
Sandondor Ryntathiang (HSPDP): 62
