TURA, March 3 - Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) flattered to deceive in Garo Hills region with the party failing to get even one seat amongst the 23 that were up for grabs. The result will leave the saffron party red-faced after extensive campaigning by BJP bigwigs in Garo Hills, which included Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP party president Amit Shah.
The party, though showing a bigger presence, failed in all constituencies, putting up strong fights in only two seats where it came second � Ampati and South Tura.
Embarrassingly for the saffron party, BJP candidate for Phulbari seat, where the PM paid a visit on February 22, came last amongst four contestants. Modi�s maiden visit to Garo Hills saw more than 70,000 people in attendance, raising hopes of a better performance than what eventually came through.
Amit Shah�s visit too had seen more than 20,000 people though their candidate came a poor fourth amongst 10 candidates. Tikrikilla is considered one of the seats where the saffron party was perceived to be strong, though infighting as well as the choice of candidate meant that the party suffered an embarrassing loss.
Rahinath Barchung, who was rejected in favour of Kapil Boro for the BJP ticket, came a close second in the contest, posing questions on the think tank of BJP in terms of their internal assessment.
In nearby Raksamgre, EK Sangma, who was also rejected by BJP, beat Janathan Rabha (who was given BJP ticket). Sangma eventually came behind NPP and Congress.
BJP though was competitive in quite a few seats, including Dalu and Salmanpara where their candidates stood third. Elsewhere though, the party was literally decimated despite the hectic campaigns conducted by party leaders in Garo Hills.
Meanwhile, it was a two party show in Garo Hills where NPP won 11 seats and INC taking 10. One seat went to NCP and one to Independent candidate, Samuel Sangma from Baghmara.
