Shillong, Nov 13 (PTI) Polling is underway for by-election to Gambegre assembly constituency in Meghalaya on Wednesday, amidst tight security arrangements, an official said.
Voting began at 7 AM, he said.
Long queues of electors were seen outside several polling stations in the constituency.
"There is enthusiasm among voters and polling is picking up. Reports are coming in that there are long queues in several polling stations," Meghalaya Chief Electoral Officer BDR Tiwari told PTI.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma's wife Mehtab Chandee Sangma is contesting on an NPP ticket, while Jingjang M. Marak from the Congress, Sadhiarani M. Sangma from the Trinamool Congress, Bernard N. Marak from the BJP and two independent candidates Sengkrabirth Marak and Jerry A Sangma are in the fray.
The by-election for the Gambegre constituency was necessitated after MLA Saleng A. Sangma representing the constituency was elected to the Lok Sabha.
Altogether 32,254 voters, including 15,923 women, are eligible to exercise their franchise.
Of the 51 polling stations in the constituency in West Garo Hills district, 31 are identified as critical.
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