Tura, Mar 5: The NPP has defeated the opposition Trinamool in the election to the CEM of GHADC by 17 votes to 12, heralding in Siju MDC Albinush R Marak as the new chief of the council.In an election conducted by secret ballot at GHADC session hall in Tura on Saturday morning, Albinush won by 5 votes, marking it a historic day for the people of Siju and Rongara, one of the most underdeveloped and remote regions of Garo Hills.

The election was chaired by new Chairman Sengchim N Sangma of the NPP who won his election on Friday by defeating Trinamool’s Rinaldo K Sangma by 18 votes to 12.

Among the MDCs who voted in the CEM election today included former CEMs Rakesh A Sangma (NPP) and Benedic R Marak (rebel NPP turned Trinamool mdc), BJP Promod Koch ( for NPP) and Bernard Marak (opposition), lone woman MDC Sadhiarani M Sangma (Trinamool), only regional UDP MDC Ashahel D Shira (for NPP) and Deputy CEM Nikman Ch Marak of GNC for the NPP candidate.