Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma met governor Phagu Chauhan at Raj Bhawan and submitted his resignation on Friday. He also staked claim to form a new government after his National People's Party (NPP) won elections on Thursday.
After meeting the governor he told the media that he has an “absolute majority with 32 MLAs” on his side in the 60-member assembly.
NPP won 26 of 59 seats and he is expected to get the support of BJP and other parties to take him over to the majority mark of 31 seats.
"BJP has given its formal support...other parties have given their support as well. We have numbers to form government," Sangma told reporters.
The Trinamool and Congress won five each and United Democratic Party 11. The Voice of the People Party won four and Hill State People's Democratic Party and People's Democratic Front won two each. Two others were won by independent candidates.
"We will let you know how many parties are supporting us. We have been told union home minister Amit Shah and maybe prime minister Narendra Modi will attend the swearing-in ceremony. We are waiting for confirmation from prime minister's office," he said.
Even before the election, in a tactical move the BJP had reportedly ensured ties with NPP.
Meanwhile, Sangma urged people to adopt peace over violence as post-election violence was reported in many areas.
“It's unfortunate. This shouldn't have happened. Violence took place at different places but now the situation is under control. I urge to people and all political parties that elections are over and violence is not the way forward,” said Sangma.
The district administration of West Jaintia Hills had imposed curfew in Sahsniang village till further orders, following post-vote counting violence.
