Manipur heading for hung assembly, BJP single largest party

Imphal, March 10, 2022

Like the last assembly elections in 2017, Manipur once again is heading for a hung assembly with the ruling BJP, according to the latest counting trends, securing leads in 20 of the 60 constitutencies.

BJP's estranged ally National People's Party (NPP) was ahead in seven seats as counting of votes progressed in the elections to the state legislative assembly, in which polling was held in two phases on February 28 and March 5.

The BJP, however, is confident of forming the government in Manipur for the second term with the support of smaller parties. Political observers felt that the NPP is likely to play a crucial role in government formation.

This time the NPP and the Naga People's Front (NPF), another of the BJP's estranged allies, had contested the polls separately and had fielded candidates against each other.

As per the Election Commission's latest counting trends from 41 of the 60 seats, the Naga People's Front was ahead in six seats, the Congress in three, Janata Dal (United) in two, independents in two seats and the Kuki People's Alliance was leading in one seat.

Among the notable candidates, Chief Minister and BJP candidate Biren Singh is leading from his traditional seat Nongthombam. Former ministers and BJP nominees Thokchom Radheshyam Singh (Heirok), Nemcha Kipgen (Kangpokpi), Deputy Chief Minister and NPP candidate Yumnam Joykumar Singh (Uripok) are all leading.

Former three-time Chief Minister (2002-1917) and Congress veteran Okram Ibobi Singh (Thoubal), sitting Congress MLA and former state party chief T.N. Haokip (Saikot), former speaker of the Manipur assembly Thokchom Lokeshwar Singh (Khundrakpam) and top Janata Dal (United) leader Khumukcham Joykisan Singh (Thangmeiband) are also leading against their rivals.

Counting of votes is underway across 16 districts in the state amid tight security, officials said. The state's Chief Electoral Officer Rajesh Agrawal said there is a three-tier security arrangement in and around the counting centres and adjoining areas to avoid any untoward incident.

IANS