The Congress staked claim to form a coalition government in Meghalaya. DD Lapang, whom the CLP elected its leader in the afternoon, met Governor MM Jacob with a list of 38 MLAs, including those from United Democratic Party (UDP), Meghalaya Democratic Party (MDP) and three Independent legislators.
The Congress has emerged as the single largest party with 22 seats in a 60-member assembly, in a hung verdict returned by the electorate.
Lapang told reporters that Congress, UDP, MDP and Independent MLAs would meet on Monday to elect the coalition leader. The Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement, which has two MLAs, is also likely to back the coalition, he said.
Nagaland
Nagaland was set to get its first non-Congress government in a decade as four Independent MLAs on Sunday came out in support of Democratic Alliance Of Nagaland (DAN), a pre-poll alliance of a Congress breakaway group, BJP, Samata Party and JD(U). That would take the group's strength to 33 in the 60-member house.
The Nagaland People's Front (NPF), with 19 MLAs, leads the coalition. Neiphiu Rio, who was home minister in the previous Congress government headed by SC Jamir, seems set to be the chief minister.
Tripura
{{/usCountry}}Tripura
{{/usCountry}}Tripura will have its fifth Left Front government sworn in on March 7, a report from Tripura said. CPM spokesman Gautam Das said on Sunday that the party's state committee would pick members of the new ministry on March 6, but it is Manik Sarkar who is tipped to lead the government for the third time in a row.
He is in Delhi to attend the two-day politburo meeting starting Sunday night. CPI(M) insiders said the politburo is likely to endorse him as the chief minister.
Himachal Pradesh
In Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister PK Dhumal has submitted his resignation to the Governor, who asked him to continue till a government is in place.
Congress grappled with the leadership issue in the state in the wake of a hotted up race for Chief Ministership.