Manipur Election 2017 Highlights: Polling ends in state at 3 pm; voter turnout likely to be more than 80%

BJP blames Manipur CEO for ads goof-up, set to file counter FIR

Manipur unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is likely to file a counter-FIR against the State Election Commission (SEC) for “mentally harassing” the party’s office bearers, and for allegedly creating confusion with regards to advertisements that were published in local dailies in Imphal, Manipur, on 3 March.

6 injured in Imphal IED blast

At least six persons including four women sustained injury in an IED blast near Kasturi Bridge in the hear of Imphal city on Wednesday evening at about 5.40 pm as the last phase Manipur polls ended. The police said that the two women among the five injured in the blast, which took place in the Kasturi Thong area in Imphal, were admitted to the Regional Institute of Medical Science, a government hospital.

Repoll in 34 stations on 10 March

State Chief Electoral Officer VK Dewangan has ordered repoll in 34 polling stations which went to the hustings in the first phase on 4 March. The re-poll will take place on 9 March from 7am till 3pm in the 34 polling stations. CEO Manipur Vivekumar Dewangan said re-polling would be held in five polling stations of Andro AC, one each in Uripok, Saikot and Singhat AC, 12 in Saikul, three in Saitu, six in Thanlon and five in Henglep.

Second phase of polling ends in Manipur

Voter turnout at 78% till 2 pm

Voter turnout at 78% till 2 pm

Voter turnout at 67% till 1 pm

Voter turnout at 56% till 12 pm

HuffPost-CVoter opinion poll predictions in Manipur

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BJP: 23 seats.
Congress: 19 seats.
Smaller parties and independents: 18 seats.

Voter turnout at 45% at 11 am

Watch: Ibobi Singh’s reaction when asked about Irom Sharmila contesting Manipur elections

Manipur opinion poll

HuffPost-CVoter poll has predicted that the Congress will win fewer seats than the BJP in Manipur. According to the poll, the BJP’s voteshare in the state will see a huge increase—from 2.1 percent in 2012 to 32.1 percent in this election—meanwhile, the Congress’ voteshare is estimated to fall from 42.4 percent in 2012 to 31.3 percent. 

20 percent voter turnout till 9 pm

According to NDTV, there is 20 percent voter turnout in Manipur till 9 pm

EVM at polling booth vandalized  in Imphal

Imphal: Electronic Voting Machine was vandalized by the supporters of a particular candidate as polling began at 34/12 Wangjing Tentha AC in Thoubal district, prompting security forces to fire several rounds of shots to disperse the mob. 

The incident took place at about 7.50 am on Wednesday morning.

Report said that voting for the said polling station began without polling agents of BJP and CPI candidates. The said polling agents protested against the presiding officer and vandalized the EVM.

Piyush Goyal urges voters to come out and vote in Manipur

Ibobi’s son Surajkumar confident about victory

On Wednesday, Okram Surjakumar Singh (Manipur CM Okram Ibobi Singh’s son) contesting from Khangabok constituency casted his vote. He said, “Sure of our win, we are confident.”

Final phase of voting begins in Manipur

The final phase for polling begins in Manipur covering 22 constituencies. Chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh went to the polling booth 35/41 at Athokpam Makha Leikai PO in Thoubal to cast his vote. PRJA’s Irom Sharmila is also contesting from this seat. After casting his vote, he said, “Will get a clear mandate, this election is something like a referendum, both hill and the valley.” 

Churachandpur poll agents abducted, beaten up

Two Churachandpur polling agents of independent candidate K Paikhansuan were abducted late Sunday night and assaulted. The incident occurred around 11 pm. The youth were abducted by unknown armed persons and later released after being beaten up, a source said.

Condemning the incident, Young Paite Association called for a total shutdown from 7 am to 5 pm on Monday. Normal life was affected in the town. 

Irom Sharmila seeks votes by going door to door in Thoubal

On the last day of campaigning for the second phase of Manipur polls, anti-AFSPA activist Irom Sharmila went door to door seeking votes in Thoubal Assembly constituency.

Sharmila, contesting the election as a candidate of her People’s Resurgence and Justice Alliance (PRJA), is taking on Congress nominee Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi and BJP nominee Th Jadumani in Thoubal Assembly constituency.  

Sharmila formed the party to continue her struggle against Afspa after ending her 16-year long fast in 2016. The second phase of polls in Manipur will be held on 8 March.

Manipur Congress president: BJP only changing names of UPA programmes

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Launching a scathing attack on BJP government at the centre, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president TN Haokip alleged that the government has done nothing since it came to power in 2014.

“Most of the so-called developmental works which are now carried out by the BJP government are the projects and policies introduced by UPA government. The BJP is just changing the names of the UPA programmes”, Haokip said.

Exuding confidence of a Congress victory in the Manipur Assembly polls, Haokip predicted that his party would win 40 out of 60 seats and said communal and divisive elements such as the BJP would not win even 10 seats.

Gunfight between suspected Kuki militants

A fierce gun battle took place on Monday afternoon between suspected Kuki militant groups operating in Kangpokpi district. The incident took place around 4:40 pm at the hillock above Khengjang village, which is around 18 kilometres from the National Highway 2.

The gunfight was suspected to be between militants from the Kuki National Organisation and the United People’s Front. Villagers said that they heard a bomb being detonated along with gunshots during the encounter, which lasted for an hour.

Four Kuki militants nabbed with arms

A troop of 25 Assam Rifles apprehended four Kuki National Front (P) militants at Churachandpur on early Sunday morning. The militants were nabbed at 5.30 am. Two AK-56 rifles, two pistols, four cell phones and 148 rounds were recovered during the counter-insurgency operation. The militants were then handed over to the Churachandpur police.

Manipur Congress president TN Haokip: BJP, UNC two faces of same coin

State unit Congress president TN Haokip has said that the BJP and the United Naga Council are the two faces of the same coin.

Haokip also said he was confident of the Congress winning 40 seats in Manipur Assembly polls. The second and final phase of polling will be held on 8 March. 

Over 80% voter turnout in Manipur

Over 80 percent voter turnout was recorded in the first phase of polling in Manipur in 38 constituencies spread across six districts in the hill state.  Officials said the final figure would go higher as this was only the preliminary report at 3 pm when polling officially ended.  The second and final phase of polling will be held on 8 March. 

Polling time for the first phase of Manipur Election 2017 ends.

Performance of political parties in previous elections
 

Despite widespread campaigning by the BJP in Manipur, experts believe it’s going to be a close contest between Congress and BJP. Congress has historically done well in the state and even during the 2014 Loksabha elections, they swept the state. However BJP’s close tie-up with the NPF and their obvious support for the Naga cause makes them strong contenders in the state. 

Erendro’s Leichombam political agenda focuses on justice

Talking to Firstpost about his campaign agenda, Erendro shed light on his agenda which focuses on justice. Here is a small excerpt. 

“Our idea is not to punish people. Our idea is not of retrospective application. Our idea of justice is like, for example, meritocracy: people who deserve a job rightfully will get it and not those who can pay. Another example is our endeavour to repeal Afspa. We are not second class citizens of India. We are following the same Constitution. We don’t appreciate this step-motherly treatment. Even the National Anthem excludes us. It ends with ‘Banga’. Are we not part of the Union of India? We want to see that the Manipuris have the same rights as all other Indians. There is also a nexus between the contractors and politicians. They have to face the law of the country, and that is justice. There are honest, hard-working and law-abiding people in Manipur, and restoring their faith in the system is justice. Again, Manipur suffers from insurgency from cessationist forces. Bringing them for dialogue is justice.”

Read the full story here

Erendro’s Leichombam political agenda focuses on justice

Talking to Firstpost about his campaign agenda, Erendro shed light on his agenda which focuses on justice. Here is a small excerpt. 

“Our idea is not to punish people. Our idea is not of retrospective application. Our idea of justice is like, for example, meritocracy: people who deserve a job rightfully will get it and not those who can pay. Another example is our endeavour to repeal Afspa. We are not second class citizens of India. We are following the same Constitution. We don’t appreciate this step-motherly treatment. Even the National Anthem excludes us. It ends with ‘Banga’. Are we not part of the Union of India? We want to see that the Manipuris have the same rights as all other Indians. There is also a nexus between the contractors and politicians. They have to face the law of the country, and that is justice. There are honest, hard-working and law-abiding people in Manipur, and restoring their faith in the system is justice. Again, Manipur suffers from insurgency from cessationist forces. Bringing them for dialogue is justice.”

Read the full story here

Irom Sharmila’s PRJA candidate Erendro attacked by unknown persons in Manipur
 

The 33-year-old Harvard-educated Erendro Leichombam, was attacked by unknown people in Manipur on the day of the first phase of polls in the state. This US-returned former World Bank Fellow, who also served in the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is the convener of People’s Resurgence and Justice Alliance (PRJA), a party started by Irom Sharmila. Trained in Economics at the Soka University of America and in Mathematics at the University of California, Irvine, Erendro refused to live the life of an NRI and joined Irom Sharmila’s party to bring about a social change in his home state.

Read Firstpost’s interview with Erendro Leichombam here .

Voter turnout till 1 pm 69 percent, officials expect it to rise post 2 pm

On Saturday, in the first phase of the Manipur Assembly election, the voter turnout is 69 percent till 2 pm. This total voter turnout in 2012 election was 79.19 percent, which is likely to be surpassed in the current elections.

In 2012, Indian National Congress won majority of the seats and incumbent chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh was re-elected for the post. 

State Nodal Officer (Elections) W Chandrakumar Singh told PTI on Saturday, “given the circumstances in the state and the nature of voting, turnout is likely to increase after 2 pm.”

BJP leader Nitin Gadkari to speak in Manipur

Congress, BJP emerge as equal contenders as Modi’s rally gives needed push to saffron party

The possibility of a hung assembly gains prominence as both BJP and Congress take on each other with equal might in the assembly constituencies based in the Meitei dominated valleys.

Manipur elects at least three Muslim candidates to its Assembly every year, but the BJP has fielded only one candidate from the party, whereas the Congress has fielded three of them. On the other hand, the Naga People’s Front a regional political party, that is also a part of the NDA at the centre is likely to emerge as a major player in the Naga dominated hills.

Read the full article here

Rajnath Singh urges voters to cast their votes in Manipur

Irom Sharmila talks to CNN-News 18
 

Soon after casting her vote, PRJA leader Irom Sharmila talked to CNN-News 18 and expressed that she is confident about bringing change in Manipur. She said, “People want to see change and we are confident to bring this change in Manipur. The response from youngsters is also positive. We are confident to win from Khangabok Constituency against the state CM on March 8. We don’t believe in muscle and money power:”

 Manipur voter turnout at 43 percent

According to the office of Manipur Chief Electoral Officer, voter turnout was recorded at 43 percent at 11 am.

Scuffle at polling station

On Saturday morning, there was a scuffle at the Keirao Kendra polling station over the alleged buying of votes by Congress candidate Thamarjit Singh.

Around 29 percent votes cast till 10 am

Around 29 percent votes were cast  in the first three hours of the first phase of Manipur Assembly elections on Saturday.  No untoward incident has been reported so far, the Election Commission  said. Long queues were visible in front of the polling  booths and women voters were also seen in large numbers.  Polling which began at 7 am will end at 3 pm in 38  Assembly segments.

With inputs from agencies

Irom Sharmila casts vote in Khurai Assembly constituency

Human rights activist Irom Sharmila, who was on hunger strike for over a decade for the removal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (Afspa) from Manipur, is also in the fray. Her party, Peoples Resurgence and Justice Alliance (PRJA), with little money or organisation has also fielded five candidates.

​Irom Sharmila’s popularity in the state could have won her a lot of support, however, her decision to end her hunger strike in 2016 turned a lot of people against her. She is also not viewed as a serious career politician by the people of Manipur.

Politics of the valley; which party is Meitei community most likely to support?

According to experts, the main political battle in the valley is between Congress and the BJP. Okram Ibobi Singh, the current chief minister of the state who has served three terms, is a Meitei and belongs to the Congress.

Since most of the Meiteis are confined to the valley, they have in the past held protests, demanding promulgation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in the state.

The ILP — a system introduced by the British and already existent in Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland — protects tribal people by preventing ‘outsiders’ from buying land or settling in their area.

The Meitei wanted the ILP to be introduced in the state to prevent unrestricted entry of ‘outsiders’. One of their major grievance was that the they could never buy Naga land in the hills but that was not the case for their land.

During the Meitei protest, schools were shut for weeks, prices of basic commodities rose and the streets were filled with violent protesters. Witnessing this scene, the Manipur Assembly passed three bills aimed at giving more rights to indigenous groups who accuse “outsiders” of taking their land and jobs.

That eased the Meiteis, but upset the Nagas and Kukis, and hence a visible divide between the communities is visible.

Prominent politicians in the Manipur election fray

In the first phase prominent political figures of the state like Speaker Th Lokeswar Singh, ministers I Hemochandra Singh, Govindas Konthoujam, Kh Ratankumar Singh and T Manga Vaiphei, Manipur PCC President T N Haokip, former ministers Phungzathang Tonsing, and Y Erabot Singh and BJP leader Th Chaoba Singh are in the election fray, the EC said.

Security concerns in Manipur

Of the total 1,643 polling station where polling is being held, the EC has identified 837 polling stations as hyper sensitive and 529 as sensitive.

For maintaining peaceful polling 280 companies of central paramilitary forces and armed police of other states have been deployed.

Out of these 30 companies are being kept for looking after the two national highways connecting Imphal and other states in view of the four-month-old indefinite economic blockade by United Naga Council (UNC).

The rest of the security forces will be deployed in the polling stations, the EC said adding that Manipur Police will not be be deployed in them.

PTI

EC orders FIR against Manipur BJP office-bearers, 8 newspapers

New Delhi: The Election Commission (EC) on Friday ordered an FIR against office-bearers of the BJP’s Manipur unit and certain newspapers for publishing advertisements without its approval.

In a letter to the Chief Electoral Officer of Manipur, the EC has ordered that the FIRs under Section 188 of IPC against be lodged against BJP state unit office-bearers and the newspapers which carried the advertisements on Friday in contravention of its orders and violation of RP Act.

The EC had instructed all stakeholders to not publish any advertisements on 3 and 4 March without pre-screening and subsequent approval by state-level MCMC committee.

The newspapers which carried the advertisements are: Sangai Express (Manipuri and English editions), Poknapham, People’s Chronicle, Naharolgi, Thoudang, Imphal Free Press, Echel Express and Huiyen Lanpao.

The poll panel has also sought a compliance report by Monday.

The first phase of the state assembly election will be held on Saturday (4 March) in 38 assembly constituencies.

IANS

People queue up outside polling booths

For the first time, women security personnel and polling officials shall be deployed at 10 polling stations in Imphal east district and six polling stations in Bishnupur district. 

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is the only party contesting all 60 seats in the entire state. The Congress, which was in power in the outgoing assembly is fielding 59 candidates. 

There are 168 candidates in the fray for the Saturday polls. Seven of them are women. 

The campaign for the 38 constituencies ended at 3 pm on Thursday. 

First phase of Manipur polls 

Manipur goes to the polls on Saturday in the first of its two-phased elections across 38 Assembly constituencies.

The remaining 22 constituencies go to the polls on 8 March.

Chief Election Officer V.K. Dewangan said all preparations have been made to conduct incident-free polling in the 1,643 polling stations in these constituencies. 

There are 5,44,050 male and 5,75,220 female voters for the first phase polling. Besides 5,169 male and 1,915 female service voters are expected to cast votes. 

Previous performances of political parties in the state

The previous performances of Congress and BJP will play a major role in the result of the Manipur Assembly Election 2017.

How will Congress and BJP fare in the state?
 

All political parties in their campaigns mainly focused on the continuing economic blockade imposed by the United Naga Council (UNC) and the state government’s inability to break it.

The other important issues which hogged the attention of the political parties are alleged lack of development, massive corruption, misappropriation of funds and worsening law and order in the state. Congress leaders, including party vice president Rahul Gandhi, put the spotlight on the “secretive nature” and contents of the Naga Framework Agreement between the central government and the NSCN (IM) in 2015.

BJP leaders targeted the ruling party for its alleged failure to lift the over three month-long economic blockade on the two national highways of the land-locked state. BJP leaders also leveled corruption charges against the Congress government and its inability to provide basic amenities to the people of the state, particularly the supply of potable water.

No state police will be used at the polling stations
 

According to state chief election officer Dewangan, 280 Companies of central paramilitary forces and state armed forces from Assam, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh will be used during the election out of which 30 Companies will be deployed for ROP on national highways.

“No state police will be used at the polling stations. 2,228 underground cadres who have signed Suspension of Operation (SoO) and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government will cast their votes through postal ballot at 14 designated camps,” he added.

Dewangan pointed out that special teams have been deployed to check borders of the state to prohibit movement of liquor, narcotic substances and to check infiltration, it said, adding the he also appealed to the voters to refrain from proxy voting, and stern action will be taken according to the instructions of the Election Commission of India.

11,19,271 voters to decide the fate of Manipur

A total of 11,19,271 voters will decide the fate of 168 candidates in the first phase Manipur polls which will be held on Saturday amidst tight security arrangements. 

The first phase will cover 38 constituencies for which 1,643 polling stations have been set up in areas spread over Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur and the hill districts of Churachandpur and Kangpokpi.

The state has a 19,02,562-strong electorate comprising 9,28,573 male voters and 9,73,989 female voters. There are around 45,642 new voters.

Four Vehicles belonging to BJP and LJP candidates set on fire by Militants

Imphal: At least four vehicles belonging to BJP and LJP candidates have been set on fire by suspected hill based militants in Karong Assembly constituency in Senapati district on Friday.

Sources said that one Bolero and a Tata Sumo belonging to BJP candidate Joanthan Tao who is contesting from Karong assembly constituency and another two vehicles – an Alto car and a Tata Sumo used by supporters of LJP candidate Kh Savanai who is also contesting from the same Assembly constituency were hijacked by some armed militants on 1 March on gun point, while they were campaigning at Purul village in Senapati district.

The vehicles were found burnt down on Friday morning.

Meanwhile, gun shots were heard at Motbung area in Kangpokpi district at around midnight on Thursday

Reports said that KNF(P) summoned all village chiefs from Saitu area and threatened them to vote for BJP. The report added that on receiving the news, KRA(U) cadres fired blanks in the air. There were no reports of any human casualty in that incident.

Governor Najima Heptullah appeals citizens to vote in a free and fair manner 

Imphal: On the eve of Manipur Assembly Election, Governor Najima Heptullah has appealed to all the citizens of the state to exercise their “democratic right in a free and fair manner and without fear as it is the very essence of our democratic system.”

“The General Elections to the 11th Manipur Legislative Assembly will be held in two phases on 4 March and 8 March respectively. India is a big democratic country and every citizen of this great country has the right to vote and elect his own leader. This right of franchise is enshrined in the Indian Constitution and it is a precious tool in the hands of the people through which they can decide their own fate for the next five years. Every citizen should feel proud of this right,” the Governor said in a statement.

Read full article here .

29 crorepati candidates in 2nd phase of state polls, reports ADR

As many as 29 crorepati candidates are in the fray for the second phase of Manipur assembly elections to be held on 8 March, says a latest report.

​Manipur Election Watch and the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) have analysed the self-sworn affidavits of all 98 candidates from 13 political parties, including five national parties, four state parties, four unrecognised parties and nine independent candidates who are contesting in the second phase of Manipur assembly elections to be held on 8 March, 2017.

According to the report, out of the 98 candidates analysed, 29 are crorepatis.

Among party wise crorepati candidates, Delhi-based ADR said that 10 of 22 fielded by INC, 8 of 22 from BJP, one of seven from NPP, five of 11 from Naga Peoples Front, one of four from Manipur National Democratic Front and two Independent candidates have declared assets worth more than Rs one crore.

Read the full article  here . 

Congress trying to buy votes of Manipur electorate

On Friday, the BJP Manipur twitter handle shared a video of a Congress worker handing money to the people of Manipur, alleging he was trying to buy votes. With the message, “What do you expect if this Congress candidate from Moirang wins elections! IT IS TIME TO SAVE MANIPUR. THROW OUT CONGRESS AND ITS CORRUPT LEADERS,” they shared the video on Facebook too. 

Manipur is notorious for this kind of corruption during election season. Some political experts believe that come election season, various politicians are sited buying the votes of the people. 

38 seats go to polls in first phase on 4 March, many Congress bigwigs in fray

A total of 168 candidates is in the fray for the first phase election. Among these candidates, six are women.

The total number of voters who can exercise their franchise in the first phase is 11,19,271, among whom 5,75,221 are women. The Election Commission had established 1,487 polling stations in the 38 assembly constituencies.

In this first phase election, BJP is fielding candidates in all the 38 assembly constituencies while the ruling Congress could field only in 37 seats.

One of the oldest regional parties of the state, Manipur Peoples’ Party which had even form a government in the state, this time could field only 13 candidates. Lok Jansakti Party, which has a legislator in the current Assembly is fielding candidates in 12 Assembly constituencies. The Trinamool Congress has fielded candidates in 10 Assembly constituencies while Manipur National Democratic Front has fielded candidates in 10 assembly constituencies.

he North East India Democratic Party has fielded candidates in eight Assembly constituencies in this phase of the poll. Irom Chanu Sharmila’s political party Peoples’ Resurgence and Justice Alliance is also contesting in three assembly constituencies. However, only one candidate will fight in the first phase. Eighteen candidates are fighting the election as independent candidates in the first phase.

Read full article here

Bomb threat to NPP candidate Vivekraj 

Imphal: Unknown miscreants placed a hand granade at the residence of Nationalist People’s Party candidate Vivekram Wangkhem who is contesting from Kshetrigao Assembly constituency. The bomb was found at the courtyard of the house on Friday morning at about 8.30 am.

Bomb squads have retrieved the bomb from the spot.

Vigilantes rally in Manipur

In the photo below we can see woman vigilantes (Meira Paibi) taking out rally at Thinungei village in Bishnupur district demanding disclosure of the framework agreement signed between the Government of India and NSCN (IM).

Gunmen attack BJP candidate’s polling office in Wangkhei

Poll related violence are steaming up in Manipur with only two days left for the first phase Manipur polls.

Unidentified gunmen on Thursday attacked the polling office of BJP in Wangkhei Assembly Constituency by firing three rounds of gun shots. No casualty reported, police sources said.

The incident took place at Wangkhei Angom Leikai under Prompat PS in Imphal east in the wee hours of Thursday morning at about 4.45 am.

Former Minister Yumkham Erabot Singh is contesting from the Wangkhei Assembly Constituency in BJP ticket.

Read full article here

Gunmen attack BJP candidate’s polling office in Wangkhei

Poll related violence are steaming up in Manipur with only two days left for the first phase Manipur polls.

Unidentified gunmen on Thursday attacked the polling office of BJP in Wangkhei Assembly Constituency by firing three rounds of gun shots. No casualty reported, police sources said.

The incident took place at Wangkhei Angom Leikai under Prompat PS in Imphal east in the wee hours of Thursday morning at about 4.45 am.

Former Minister Yumkham Erabot Singh is contesting from the Wangkhei Assembly Constituency in BJP ticket.

Read full article here

LDF lends its support to Irom Sharmila who is pitted against Ibobi in upcoming polls

​Imphal: Left and Democratic Front (LDF) Convener M Nara Singh has announced support to Irom Sharmila, a candidate of PRJA who is taking on the Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi in Thoubal Assembly constituency.

​Nara announced to support Sharmila during an election meeting organised for Sharmila at Kongpal Kongkham Leikai on wednesday. The LDF is comprised of CPI, CPM, NCP, Manipur National Democratic Front, Peoples Democratic Alliance, Aam Aadmi Party and JD (U). The front is fielding 52 candidates including two Independent candidates. Thoubal constituency will go to the polls in the second phase on 8 March.

Announcing the front decision Nara said there would not be peace, harmony and development if the corrupt Congress government and BJP continue to rule in the state.

Read the full article here

Congress misdeeds will be investigated when BJP comes to power, says Ram Madhav

​Imphal: With only two days left for Manipur polls, electoral diatribe has touched the highest pitch among political parties in Manipur, with hurling charges against each other over many issues.

On Thursday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national general secretary Ram Madhav while ridiculing Manipur chief Minister Okram Ibobi ‘Mr 10 Per-cent’, alleged the Congress-led government has siphoned off 90 percent of the developmental funds of the state.

Addressing media-persons at BJP state unit office, Ram Madhav alleged that Ibobi government was unable to submit the utilisation certificate for the Laoktak Phumdi cleaning project worth 460 crore sanctioned by the Planning Commission.

Read full article here

Congress misdeeds will be investigated when BJP comes to power, says Ram Madhav

​Imphal: With only two days left for Manipur polls, electoral diatribe has touched the highest pitch among political parties in Manipur, with hurling charges against each other over many issues.

On Thursday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national general secretary Ram Madhav while ridiculing Manipur chief Minister Okram Ibobi ‘Mr 10 Per-cent’, alleged the Congress-led government has siphoned off 90 percent of the developmental funds of the state.

Addressing media-persons at BJP state unit office, Ram Madhav alleged that Ibobi government was unable to submit the utilisation certificate for the Laoktak Phumdi cleaning project worth 460 crore sanctioned by the Planning Commission.

Read full article here

Campaigning ends for Manipur Assembly polls phase 1
 

Campaigning for the first of the two-phase Manipur Assembly election, scheduled for 4 March, ended at 3 pm on Thursday.

The election is billed as a major test for the Okram Ibobi Singh-led Congress government in the state which has been in power for the last 15 years.

In the first phase, 38 Assembly seats out of 60, covering both the Imphal valley and the hills, will go to the polls.

PTI

Ibobi Singh cornered from all sides as Arunachal, Nagaland, Assam slam economic blockade

As Manipur prepares to hold Assembly election on 4 March, Chief Minister Ibobi Singh finds himself cornered — quite literally — with his counterparts from fellow North East states seemingly coming together to blast the Congress leader over his inability to ease the economic blockade in place.

As per a report in The Indian Express, in Nagaland, where Naga People’s Front (NPF) leader TR Zeliang was forced to step down last month following continued protests by tribal bodies, has hit out at Ibobi Singh, saying the responsibility of lifting the blockade rested solely on the Manipur chief minister. “The blockade was entirely Okram Ibobi Singh’s creation and it depends on him whether it could be lifted or whether it would continue,” said Zeliang, who was in Manipur’s Senapati district recently to campaign for NPF candidates.

“Ibobi Singh had created the new districts without consulting the stakeholders, knowing well that this would result in protests. But by doing so he was expecting the valley people to back him and vote for his party. It now depends on him whether to revoke the government decision or to let it stand,” he added.

Read the full article here

Narrow margin victories common in state; TMC played major role in bringing fight down to the wire in 2012

After his second consecutive victory from the Thoubal Assembly constituency in the 2012 polls, Congress leader Okram Ibobi Singh became the chief minister of Manipur for a record third time. His scale of victory was rather huge — defeating his nearest BJP rival Oinam Indira by a margin of over 67 percent of the total votes polled.

In sharp contrast, another constituency Hiyanglam, which notably also comes under the Thoubal district to which Ibobi belongs, witnessed one of the narrowest election victories ever. Maibam Kunjo of the Trinamool Congress barely managed to defeat his Congress rival Elangbam Dwijamani Singh, he won by a margin of 17 votes.

However, Kunjo — who died in August 2014 — was not the only one who won by a whisker in the 2012 elections.

Out of the total number of seats (which is 60), 20 seats saw a victory margin of less than a thousand votes, which translated to a margin of less than five percentage of the total votes polled.

Read the full article here.

After a sweeping victory in Assam last year, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had set its sights on Manipur, the last stronghold of the Congress in the north-east. With the state Assembly election just a few days away (Manipur goes to polls on 4 and 8 March in two phases), the state where Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh had ruled for three successive terms since 2002, seems ripe for the picking.

Read the full article here

Students’ association burns effigy of CM Okram Ibobi Singh

Activists of Kangleipak Students Association on Thursday, demanding justice for extra-judicial killings in Manipur, burned effigies of Manipur Chief Minster Okram Ibobi Singh, Addl SP AK Jaljit and ex DGP Y Joykumark on Thursday. The Kangleipak Students Association (KSA) is demanding the repeal of Afspa and justice for fake encounter cases, including the 23 July, 2009 case, in which a pregnant woman and a former PLA militant were killed in broad daylight.

On Wednesday, a group of irate student activists belonging to the association allegedly vandalised the state unit office of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) situated in the heart of Imphal city after being denied a meeting with BJP leaders.

Read the full article here

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NPF candidate’s house attacked, five injured

With the first Manipur poll scheduled for Saturday, poll-related violence is on the rise. On Thursday, suspected militants attacked the home of a Naga People’s Front candidate. Militants reportedly threw a grenade at the home of  K Leisio at 5 pm, injuring five people. Lesio is contesting from Phungyar Assembly constituency in Ukhrul district.

Students’ association burns effigy of CM Okram Ibobi Singh

Activists of Kangleipak Students Association on Thursday, demanding justice for extra-judicial killings in Manipur, burned effigies of Manipur Chief Minster Okram Ibobi Singh, Addl SP AK Jaljit and ex DGP Y Joykumark on Thursday. The Kangleipak Students Association (KSA) is demanding the repeal of Afspa and justice for fake encounter cases, including the 23 July, 2009 case, in which a pregnant woman and a former PLA militant were killed in broad daylight.

On Wednesday, a group of irate student activists belonging to the association allegedly vandalised the state unit office of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) situated in the heart of Imphal city after being denied a meeting with BJP leaders.

Read the full article here

Irom Sharmila’s PRJA campaigns in Imphal

Sharmila formed PRJA last year with an objective to repeal the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958. Sharmila, who ended her 16-year-long fast demanding the revocation of the Afspa last year, decided to join politics so that she could repeal the act after becoming the Chief Minister. Sharmila, who hails from Khurai Assembly constituency, is taking on three-time Chief Minister, Okram Ibobi Singh, in the Thoubal Assembly constituency.  

Security issues in Manipur

​Police had to be called in to control a mob after there were problems regarding the issuing of ballot paper in the office of the District Collector in Imphal west. Manipur has seen a series of pre-poll violent incidents after a bomb exploded in the capital, while police personnel were attacked by villagers and two jeeps were vandalised.

With inputs from agencies

http://www.firstpost.com/politics/police-controls-crowd-during-postal-ballot-paper-distribution-3311234.html/embed

BJP on a tear in Imphal

The BJP has been on a tear in Manipur, on the last day of campaigning before the first phase of polling. Campaigning in Manipur officially ends at 3 pm.

Rajnath Singh in Manipur

Home Minister Rajnath Singh, speaking in Manipur ahead of the Assembly polls, accused the Congress and Chief Minister Okram Singh Ibobi of creating confusion and vowed that the territorial integrity of Manipur would not be affected. Singh said that there was no law and order situation in Manipur and the major evil was the corruption by the Congress. Manipur goes to the polls on 4 and 8 March.

Autorickshaw rally for Congress party in Thoubal district, Manipur. The state goes to polls on 4 and 8 March.

Ibobi ridicules Modi, says state has achieved much during Congress rule

Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh ridiculed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for claiming to change Manipur in 15 months stating how the 100-days development programme of the Modi government failed to materialise in the state. Ibobi was addressing the flag hoisting ceremony of INC candidate K Meghachandra in Wangkhem Assembly constituency.

During his Imphal rally on Saturday, Modi had said that if elected to power, the BJP would do within 15 months what the Indian National Congress government failed to do in its 15 years tenure.

Read full article here.

Will send corrupt to jail if BJP comes to power, says Amit Shah

BJP president Amit Shah who is campaigning in Imphal pledged that corruption cases involving leaders of the incumbent Congress government would be duly investigated and all those found guilty would be imprisoned if his party took power.

Shah, while addressing the election rally for BJP candidate Y Khemchand at Yumnam Leikai asked voters to vote for BJP for corruption-free governance.

Read full article here .

Shaktiman trucks inside DC campus of Churachandpur district in Manipur to transport polling personals to remote hill areas. Churachandpur dist is 60 kms away from Imphal city. The district is dominated by Kuki tribe community.

BJP state unit office vandalized by student activists; party blames Congress

Imphal: On Wednesday, a group of irate student activists belonging to Kangleipak Students Association (KSA) vandalised the state unit office of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) situated in the heart of Imphal city as they were denied to meet BJP leaders.

​Kangleipak Students Association(KSA) launched its agitation demanding justice for the extra judicial killings in Manipur including fake encounter victims like Ch Sanjit and Rabina who were killed in broad day light of 23 July 2009 at crowded Khwairamband Keithel in Imphal.

Read full article here

Watch full video here

http://www.firstpost.com/politics/manipur-electi…for-the-attack-3309726.html/embed

Sharmila refuses security escorts; PRJA vows to remove Afspa from state

On Wednesday, Irom Sharmila Chanu refused security escort provided to her by Manipur state government authorities under the direction of the Election Commission of India, citing she wants to be closer to the people.

“I have no enmity with anyone and thus have nothing to fear about,” Sharmila told media persons in Imphal, adding, “I did not approve of the VIP culture of being surrounded by armed forces and want to be with the people.”

On the other hand, Additional Chief Secretary J Suresh Babu said, “The state authorities are doing their part as the ECI has directed them to provide security to Sharmila as she travels alone almost all the time. Security has been provided to Sharmila for her own safety,” he said

Read full article here .

Flag hoisting of Congress nominee K Meghachandra in Wangkhem AC, Thoubal district. Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi addresses the gathering.

BJP supporter harassed by Congress workers in Imphal

In a shocking incident, some supporters of Congress MLA K Sarat allegedly took away the GI sheets from the house of a BJP woman supporter in Imphal east, Manipur. The incident took place on Tuesday morning in Konthoujam AC. A report said that one Yumnam Nabadip along with some Congress workers went to the house of Ibemcha of Khumbong and removed the GI sheets roofing of her house for not supporting their candidate.

Congress MLA K Sarat had provided two bundles of GI sheets to the poor woman a year ago.

The victim woman condemned the incident seeking justice from the authority. She said, “After laying foundation of the new house, I could not purchase GI sheets for roofing the house. I approached a worker of Congress MLA K Sarat for some help to complete the house construction. The local MLA  then gave me two bundles of GI sheets. I was a supporter of Congress for years. This year I am supporting BJP candidate Dr Ranjan Singh. Angered at this, some workers of Congress took away the GI sheets provided by the MLA some years back”

Watch the video below: 

http://www.firstpost.com/politics/woman-blames-congress-workers-for-taking-away-roof-of-her-house-3309354.html/embed

TMC eyes 2012 repeat performance in Manipur

Imphal: Seeking to play an important role in national politics ahead of parliamentary election, the Trinamool Congress is eyeing a 2012 repeat performance in Manipur to emerge as the main opposition party there after the Assembly poll.

The TMC is contesting in 24 seats in the 60-member Assembly the election to which is scheduled to be held on 4 March and 8 March. The results will be announced on 11 March.

In the 2012 Assembly poll, the TMC had bagged seven seats, but later all of its MLAs switched sides joining either the Congress or the BJP.

The TMC, which holds power in Bengal and a major force in Parliament with 34 MLAs in the Lok Sabha, had been working hard for the last two years with a new team of leaders in Manipur hoping to play a big role in case of a hung Assembly.

Read the full article here .

BJP offices in Imphal ransacked; party blames Congress for the attack

Amit Shah in Imphal
​
 

Three people injured as spate of pre-poll violence increases

With only five days left for the Manipur Assembly Poll, series of pre-poll violence have witnessed in several parts of the state.

On Tuesday, at least three people got injured in a pre-poll clash between the supporters of NCP candidate MI Khan and Independent candidate Md Nasiruddin (Boboy) in Keirao Assembly constituency under Irilbung police station.

Read full copy here .

Amit Shah levels corruption charges against Ibobi govt

On Tuesday, BJP president, Amit Shah, asserted that ‘corrupt’ Congress government, which is responsible for the woes of Manipur people, does not have the right to retain power. He called upon the people to throw away the party from Manipur in the ensuing state Assembly election.

Shah made the statement at the political campaign of three BJP candidates, Nemcha Kipgen, Haokholet Kipgen and Paojalet Taothang from Sadar Hill, held at Thomas Ground, Kangpokpii district headquarters.

Launched a scathing attack on the Congress-run state government led by three time chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh, Shah alleged, “Crores of funds are sanctioned by the Centre as part of MNREGA scheme every year, but none of it reach the poor due to corrupt Ibobi government.” He added that the Congress had bluffed the people of Manipur by getting incomplete projects inaugurated by party chief Sonia Gandhi. His corruption consumed all the funds given by the Union Government,” he mentioned.

Read full copy  here . 

Rahul Gandhi attacks Modi in Imphal rally, asks him to reveal contents of Naga Accord

Imphal: On Tuesday, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi while campaigning in Manipur, demanded that the contents of the Naga Accord, signed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, should be made public and accused him of “spreading hate and lies” wherever he went.

Terming it a ‘pre-paid’ accord, Rahul said,“the Centre has signed the Naga Peace Accord, but nobody knows about its contents. Even Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh and the state government are not aware of it. Why are the people of Manipur being kept in the dark about the contents of the agreement?” he asked while addressing an election rally in Imphal.

Read full article here .

RSS wants to impose their ideology in Manipur: Rahul Gandhi

On Tuesday, while campaigning in Imphal over the upcoming Manipur Assembly Elections, Rahul Gandhi tweeted, “RSS wants to enforce their ideology in Manipur. They want to crush your history, your languages. Congress party won’t let this happen.”

Rahul Gandhi questions Modi on the Naga Accord

He said, “Till date no one knows what is in this pre-paid Accord (Naga Accord)”

Rahul Gandhi campaigning in Imphal

Addressing a crowd in Imphal, Rahul Gandhi said, “Modi didn’t even talk to Ibobi. The ministers are not aware of what’s in the Naga Accord, it is all in Modi’s mind.”

Bomb recovered ahead of Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Imphal
​

A bomb was recovered in Imphal on Tuesday ahead of the visit of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for campaigning for the Manipur Assembly elections.

Police said the bomb was found near the gate of a residential building around 6 am in Khongman Bashikhong Turel Mapal area in Imphal East district. The bomb was later defused. The bomb was recovered about 6 km from the venue where the Congress Vice President is scheduled to address a rally.

​Rahul Gandhi will campaign for Congress candidates at Hapta Kangjeibung ground.

PTI

Prakash Javadekar campaigns in Manipur, hits out against Congress

Union Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar, who is camping in Imphal to canvass support for BJP nominees in the Manipur Polls, alleged that Congress government has failed to bring any significant development during its 15 years regime in Manipur.
 

Addressing the media at the BJP Manipur Pradesh office at Nityaipat Chuthek on Sunday, Javadekar alleged that the incumbent Congress government in its 15 years tenure, has failed to provide safe drinking water to the people living in rural and urban areas, prompting the general public to spend Rs 2,000 per month to purchase water. It is unfortunate that the people in the heart of the city cannot be provided drinking water 70 years after India attained independence.

Read full article here.

Titular King urges Modi not to compromise state boundary

Titular king of Manipur, Leishemba Sanajaoba, has urged the Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to compromise the territorial integrity of Manipur while resolving the protracted Naga peace dialogue.
 

Speaking during the BJP election rally in Imphal which Modi also attended, the Manipur king said that all the communities living in Manipur are now suffering in an inexpressible manner. He said that the gaps separating them have also widened greatly. “This land which once existed as one of the world’s oldest kingdoms having a history of thousands of years with respect of one another’s culture, tradition and religion has been a fearful place to live in,” he said.

Read full report  here.  

Ibobi questions Modi’s remarks in Imphal over economic blockade

Strongly reacting to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remark “Manipur will be free from economic blockade if BJP comes to power”, Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh questioned the prime minister’s statements and wondering if the economic blockade would continue for years if the saffron party fails to to come to power in the state.
 

“I didn’t expect that the responsible prime minister Modi will state ‘If BJP doesn’t come back to power in Manipur, economic blockade will continue’. Such remark from him shows that BJP, UNC, NSCN (IM) are working hand in glove,” Ibobi told reporters in a press conference held at Congress Bhavan, Imphal.

Read the full report here.

Here are the key quotes from Narendra Modi’s speech:

1. My government is committed to curb black money, says Modi.

2. We want the poor to have access to affordable medication & treatment. We have reduced stent prices to benefit the poor: PM Modi. 

3. People here aren’t getting jobs on the basis of merits. One has to bribe to secure a job. This will end under the BJP: PM Modi. 

4. The people of Manipur have to decide between a government who takes 10 percent commission on every work done and the government which promises 100 percent development, says PM Modi.

5. I urge the people of Manipur to vote for development, BJP is the only option, says PM Modi. 

6. Those who cannot ensure peace in the state have no right to govern Manipur. They made brothers here fight each other: PM Modi.

7. Insensitive government should step down, says PM Modi. 

8. What is state government doing on the of economic blockade, says PM Modi. 

9. There is not even a single word in the peace accord which is against the people of Manipur, says PM Modi.

10. Manipur CM (Okram Ibobi) should get this straight that I will not spare anyone who stashes poor people’s money, says PM Modi.

11. Congress siphoning your money, says PM Modi. 

12. There is a scarcity of electricity of in Manipur, says PM Modi.

13. Manipur government wants you (people of Manipur) to be in darkness, says PM Modi.

14. Corruption is ruining Manipur, says PM Modi. 

15. My government is committed for the people of north east, says PM Modi. 

16. Manipur Seeped in BJP’s colour. My ministers have visited North-East India for more than 90 times, says Modi

17. It has been 15 years, Manipur has been ruined. Who is responsible? Congress did no development,do they deserve to be here now?: PM Modi.

18. Manipur’s youth can play an integral part in country’s development, says PM Modi.

19. What they failed to do in last 15 years, we promise to do it in 15 months, says PM Modi.

20. Give us (BJP) a chance to serve you, says PM Modi.

21. Ibobi Singh led Congress government has destroyed the beauty of Manipur, says PM Modi.

22. Nobody can see any development in Manipur, says PM Modi.

Here are the key quotes from Narendra Modi’s speech:
 

1. My government is committed to curb black money, says Modi.
    

2. We want the poor to have access to affordable medication & treatment. We have reduced stent prices to benefit the poor: PM Modi. 
    

3. People here aren’t getting jobs on the basis of merits. One has to bribe to secure a job. This will end under the BJP: PM Modi. 
    

4. The people of Manipur have to decide between a government who takes 10 percent commission on every work done and the government which promises 100 percent development, says PM Modi.
    

5. I urge the people of Manipur to vote for development, BJP is the only option, says PM Modi. 
    

6. Those who cannot ensure peace in the state have no right to govern Manipur. They made brothers here fight each other: PM Modi.
    

7. Insensitive government should step down, says PM Modi. 
    

8. What is state government doing on the of economic blockade, says PM Modi. 
    

9. There is not even a single word in the peace accord which is against the people of Manipur, says PM Modi.
    

10. Manipur CM (Okram Ibobi) should get this straight that I will not spare anyone who stashes poor people’s money, says PM Modi.
     

11. Congress siphoning your money, says PM Modi. 
     

12. There is a scarcity of electricity of in Manipur, says PM Modi.
     

13. Manipur government wants you (people of Manipur) to be in darkness, says PM Modi.
     

14. Corruption is ruining Manipur, says PM Modi. 
     

15. My government is committed for the people of north east, says PM Modi.
     

16. Manipur Seeped in BJP’s colour. My ministers have visited North-East India for more than 90 times, says Modi
     

17. It has been 15 years, Manipur has been ruined. Who is responsible? Congress did no development,do they deserve to be here now?: PM Modi.
     

18. Manipur’s youth can play an integral part in country’s development, says PM Modi.
     

19. What they failed to do in last 15 years, we promise to do it in 15 months, says PM Modi.
     

20. Give us (BJP) a chance to serve you, says PM Modi.
     

21. Ibobi Singh led Congress government has destroyed the beauty of Manipur, says PM Modi.
     

22. Nobody can see any development in Manipur, says PM Modi.

Manipur Election 2017: Narendra Modi says state run by ‘10% CM,’ promises corruption-free governance
 

Taking on the Congress government in Manipur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday sought one chance for his party’s “politics of development” versus the “sweeping corruption” unraveled by the Congress.
 

Modi was addressing an election rally in the state’s capital Imphal under the shadows of guns, in the wake of security threats issued by several insurgent groups. The Coordinating Committee (Corcom) that constitutes of six insurgent groups called for a shutdown in the state till Modi were to remain in the capital, even as bombs were recovered at multiple places in and around the rally’s venue.

However, the prime minister appeared quite unfazed and took on the ruling dispensation with quips and banter in his signature style. Hitting out at Congress over the alleged cases of corruption, Modi said that Manipur was probably the only state in India to have a “10 percent chief minister.”

Read full article here .