AGENCIES

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies -- IPFT and NDPP -- retain power in Tripura and Nagaland, as per the latest trends post the initial rounds of counting in these two northeast states in India.

Meanwhile, Meghalaya appears to be headed towards a hung assembly with the Conrad Sangma-led NPP emerging as the single-largest party.

The elections for Tripura assembly were held on February 16, where 89.95 percent of the 28.14 lakh voters exercised their franchise. The elections for Meghalaya and Nagaland assemblies were conducted on February 27.

BJP and IPFT allies won 31 seats in the 60-member Tripura assembly, securing its return to power in the northeastern state for the second time in a row, reports TNN.

According to the Election Commission website, the BJP bagged 30 seats while the Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT) got one.

The saffron party is leading in two more seats, according to the latest release of the results.

“The BJP’s victory was expected… We were eagerly waiting for it. Our responsibility has been increased with the decisive mandate,” outgoing Chief Minister Manik Saha.

The party’s poll machine remains in fine fettle. A comfortable win in Tripura proves that its performance in 2018 was no fluke and it is now the party to beat in the state.