Campaigning begins in Manipur

IMPHAL, March 29 : Manipur has got into the heat and dust of electioneering for the two Lok Sabha seats– Outer Manipur (Reserved ST) and Inner Manipur.

However, only one candidate –NCP’s LB Sona– has filed his nomination so far for the Outer Manipur seat. He is supported by the Manipur Peoples Party (MPP), Manipur State Congress Party (MSCP) and National Peoples Party (NPP).

The last date for filing of nominations for the seat is March 30. Polling would be held on April 16. Sona would have to fight it out with Loli Adanee of BJP who is the sitting MP, Thangso Baite of the Congress, Mani Charanamei of Peoples Democratic Alliance (PDA) and Sunny Santhil of JD(S).

The Congress would field its sitting MP Th Meinya while the BJP would pitch in former Chief Minister W Nipamacha Singh. The MPP has fielded Prof N Mohendra who will be supported by NCP, NPP, Manipur State Congress Party (MSCP).

The Rashtriya Bahujan Congress Party (RBCP) has decided to field Loitongbam Kshetrani from this seat. The CPI, a partner of the ruling Secular Progressive Front (SPF) in the state, would field Dr M Nara, who contested last time.

He has already started to campaign. He would be supported by other Left parties and the Janata Dal (S).