Congress wins Meghalaya bypoll

Ruling Congress today won the Chokpot Assembly bypoll in Meghalaya by a margin of 2,550 votes with its candidate Blubell R Sangma defeating her nearest rival Philipole Marak of National People's Party.
While Blubell R Sangma secured 8,042 votes, Philipole Marak secured 5,492 votes, state election office said.
The other candidates, Kalpana D Sangma from Garo National Council and Thinkerwin R Marak (Independent) secured 5,009 and 1,189 votes respectively.
The Chokpot Assembly Constituency fell vacant following the death of Garo National Council (GNC) legislator, Clifford R Marak.
While Clifford R Marak's wife Kalpana Sangma contested on GNC ticket, the Congress winner is the wife of former legislator Mason S Sangma.

Altogether, 83.11 per cent voters had exercised their franchise for this bypoll on Saturday.