Political activities have gained momentum after election dates were announced in Meghalaya as February 23. On January 5, P A Sangma announced the beginning of his new party, National Peoples Party. At present, it’s the Congress government ruling in Meghalaya under the captainship of Mukul Sangma. The primary battle in the hills states is between the Congress, UDF and National Peoples Party. The Congress has already announced its list of 33 candidates, of which seven Assembly members from the party are present. On the other hand, Sangma’s NPP is giving stiff competition in 20 of the 24 seats at Garo Hills. The significant point here is that both the church and local tribes here are in favour of Sangma. And this is also the biggest cause of worry for the Congress.