Manipur as it happened: Biren Singh, council of ministers to take oath on Wednesday; Amit Shah to attend

BJP led group has been invited tomorrow to form the Government. Ceremony at 1 pm: Najma Heptulla,Manipur Governor pic.twitter.com/OAWSZwcbHT

— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2017

BJP led group has been invited tomorrow to form the Government. Ceremony at 1 pm: Najma Heptulla,Manipur Governor pic.twitter.com/OAWSZwcbHT

— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2017

In my 37 years in Parliament & when I was in Congress &worked with non-Cong govts, never have such allegations been put on me:Najma Heptulla

— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2017

I knw Congress is single largest party,it's not incumbent.Responsibility of Guv vested by Constitution to weigh&measure stability:GuvManipur pic.twitter.com/H370XtCW8P

— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2017

Ruling of SC says responsibility of Governor is to see who has majority & will work for state's stability: Najma Heptulla, Governor Manipur pic.twitter.com/AR8cu38mWT

— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2017

Naga MLAs demand ministerial berths to back BJP government in Manipur​

Imphal: Nongthombam Biren, who is tipped to be the first BJP chief minister of Manipur, faces an unforeseen road block with the four Naga People’s Front MLAs now demanding ministerial berths.
 

The four have also demanded similar berths for four other Naga MLAs with important portfolios.

On Monday, the Manipur unit NPF president Awangbung Newmai wrote an official letter to the BJP president in Manipur listing the demands.

It said: “As per resolutions of the 13 March meeting of the Manipur unit of the NPF its four MLAs should be inducted in the council of ministers.”

Read full article here

BJP CM & council of ministers to take oath tomorrow in Imphal; Amit Shah & Union Min Jitendra Singh to attend: Sources #Manipur

— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2017

BJP CM & council of ministers to take oath tomorrow in Imphal; Amit Shah & Union Min Jitendra Singh to attend: Sources #Manipur

— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2017

BJP CM & council of ministers to take oath tomorrow in Imphal; Amit Shah & Union Min Jitendra Singh to attend: Sources #Manipur

— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2017

N. Biren Singh to be sworn in as new chief minister of Manipur on Wednesday (15 March) at 1 pm

Legally we are right;we hv to form the govt in Manipur: N Biren Singh, BJP legislative party leader on BJP's stake to claim for forming govt pic.twitter.com/sE8m4biJ72

— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2017

Biren Singh to be sworn-in as first BJP chief minister in state
 

Imphal: Nongthombam Biren, who was elected leader of BJP Manipur legislature wing on Monday, will be sworn in as the 24th chief minister of Manipur on Wednesday. Biren Singh, MLA from Heingang constituency, will be the first BJP chief minister in the state.

Manipur Governor Dr Najima Heptulla will administer oath of office and secrecy to Biren Singh at Rajbhavan Imphal, said a BJP source.

Nongthombam Biren Singh was, on Monday, elected as the legislature party leader of BJP Manipur. He met the Manipur Governor Najma Heptulla in the evening to stake claim to form the government. He was unanimously elected leader of legislature wing in the presence of BJP central observer and union power minister Piyush Goel, union HRD minister and election in-charge of Manipur, Prakash Javadekar, MP and BJP North-East in charge, Prahlad Singh Patel.

Read full story here

Biren Singh to be BJP’s chief ministerial candidate

Amid the ongoing tussle for power in Manipur, BJP named N Biren Singh as its CM candidate for the hill state.https://t.co/l44AakQdBa

— News18 (@CNNnews18) March 13, 2017

Congress calls governor ‘incompetent’

We were only 2 seats short of majority. Single largest party is given first option. It's incompetent on part of Guv: V Moily, Cong #Manipur pic.twitter.com/T7RuTrVxqB

— ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2017

Meeting underway of the BJP top brass in Imphal

Biren Singh elected leader of legislative wing

Elected MLAs to meet governor soon

At a meeting of senior BJP leaders, MLA Biren Singh has been elected leader of the legislature party head. Biren was unanimously elected leader after a four-hour deliberation, also attended by Union minister Prakash Javadekar, BJP national secretary Ajay Jamwal, and other heavyweights. The elected MLAs will meet Manipur Governor soon, to stake a claim for government formation.

Biren Singh, BJP’s Manipur legislature party head, to meet governor

BJP's legislature party leader will be N. Biren Singh;unanimously elected; will soon move to stake claim to form govt: Piyush Goel #Manipur pic.twitter.com/msj6BH5567

— ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2017

Okram Ibobi Singh to resign

ANI reported that Okram Ibobi Singh will tender his resignation on Monday evening or Tuesday.

I will tender my resignation (from position of CM) in a short period of time, either today or tomorrow: Okram Ibobi Singh #Manipur pic.twitter.com/R9saT1ob1m

— ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2017

NPP leader makes explosive allegation

ANI reported that NPP leader Conrad Sangma has alleged that the Congress’ letter to Governor claiming National People’s Party’s (NPP) support was fake

Congress' letter to Governor claiming National People's Party's (NPP) support was fake: NPP leader Conrad Sangma (file pic) #Manipur pic.twitter.com/0HreYAQXai

— ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2017

Will Manipur CM Ibobi Singh stay or go?

Willl he or won’t he? That seems to be the question.  While NDTV reported that Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh has refused to resign and claimed that his party had a majority, CNN-News 18 reported that Singh will quit on Tuesday.

I have not received till today any resignation letter from the CM (Okram Ibobi Singh): Najma Heptulla, #Manipur Governor pic.twitter.com/peGpwSFHyk

— ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2017

Manipur CM Ibobi Singh set to resign, sources say

Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh is set to resign after he failed to muster the required numbers to form a Congress government. Governor Najma Heptulla has asked him to step down, and the BJP is now set to form the government, informed sources said on Monday.

Though the Congress claims it enjoys the supports of the four National People’s Party MLAs, Vivekraj Wangkhem of the NPP maintained his party is supporting the BJP to form government.

“Our party and elected members have extended support to the BJP in the formation of the ministry,” he said.

Wangkhem also said that the party’s earlier written assurance to the Congress is invalidated.

I have the document of the BJP president. They paraded the people which was shown on TV: Najma Heptulla, #Manipur Governor

— ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2017

Because NPP pres gave me letter 1 hr ago with 4 MLAs supporting BJP, told CM first resign,he didn't say anything & went away: Najma Heptulla pic.twitter.com/74kwBV7KnY

— ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2017

They (Cong) also brought letter on behalf of NPP signed by secy & pres, I told him you can't bring letter on behalf of NPP: Najma Heptulla pic.twitter.com/vJSud4xEev

— ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2017

Manipur governor slams Ibobi, asks him to resign

CNN-News18 reported that Manipur Governor Najma Heptullah has slammed Manipur Chief Minister Okram Singh Ibobi, saying that she had asked him for his resignation and was waiting for him to resign.

The governor added that the BJP had submitted a list of 32 MLAs to form the government.

BJP meet underway

A BJP meeting to determine who will lead the party legislature is  underway at Classic Grande hotel, at Chingmeirong, Imphal.

The two top contenders for the post include N Biren Singh elected from Heingang Assembly seat and T Biswajit Singh from Thongju Assembly seat.

Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar arrives in Imphal

Javadekar arrived in Imphal on Monday to attend the crucial BJP meet to determine who will lead its legislature wing. Speaking to Firstpost, said the  BJP will definitely form the government and deliver the promises to the people the party  made. 

BJP to announce head of legislature wing today

BJP claims support of 32 MLAs to form govt

The BJP in Manipur on Sunday night claimed to have secured the support of 32 MLAs after getting the backing of NDA constituent parties and two other MLAs, and said it would elect the legislature party leader on Monday.

BJP has its own 21 MLAs and secured support of 11 others adding up to 32 legislators. 31 are needed to form government in the 60-member Assembly, Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said after meeting Governor Najma Heptullah.

Biswa Sarma said the legislature party leader would be elected on Monday.
 

Shyamkumar, one of the 28 Congress MLAs who won from Andro constituency, and the lone All India Trinamool Congress legislator Robindro joined the BJP taking the party’s numbers to 32, Sarma said.

CM Ibobi Singh asks guv to invite Cong to form govt, accuses BJP of having no principles

In a late night press conference Sunday, Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said that he has requested Manipur Governor Najma Heptullah to invite the Congress to form the government in the state as they were the single largest party.

“I went to the Raj Bhavan, met the governor and urged her to give the Congress the first chance to show strength on the floor of the House because the Congress is single largest party. I am hoping that governor will do justice,“he said on Sunday.

Calling the BJP opportunistic, Ibobi Singh said that the BJP had categorically denied tie-ups with the Naga People’s Front ahead of the Assembly elections.

“The BJP has no principles. Before the election, they announced no ties with NPF. Now they are saying they are tying up with NPF. The people of Manipur will never accept ties with a party that is hell-bent on breaking up Manipur,” he said.

Congress accuses BJP of subverting democracy; Chidambaram says party stealing polls

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram slammed the BJP for allegedly subverting democracy and making a backdoor entry to power in Manipur and Goa. He charged the saffron party of stealing the elections in these states which threw a hung Assembly.

A party that comes second has no right to form the Government. BJP stealing elections in Goa and Manipur.

— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) March 13, 2017

BJP will form government on March 18, the same day on which the Manipur Assembly term ends.

Biren Singh likely to be chief minister, Th Biswajit may become his deputy

He knows about Anti Defection Law, even then he has supported BJP: Himanta Biswa Sarma on Congress MLA Shyamkumar Singh. pic.twitter.com/43pjX8nTVf

— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2017

More defections to BJP likely

Tensions are running high within the Congress after the defection by Shyamkumar Singh. Eighteen more Congress MLAs are likely to defect to the BJP

BJP MLAs and supporting MLAs meet Manipur Governor Najma Heptulla, stake claim to form govt

BJP MLAs and its supporting MLAs meet Manipur Governor Najma Heptulla pic.twitter.com/b0SWrcFVnV

— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2017

What's happening in Goa and Manipur by the #BJP is a mockery of Indian democracy and an insult of the people's mandates of the states.

— Sanjay Jha (@JhaSanjay) March 12, 2017

Congress MLA defects to BJP

Congress MLA Shyamkumar Singh from Andro Asembly constituency defected to the Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday evening, ANI reported.

Congress MLA Shyamkumar Singh from Andro assembly constituency, Manipur defects from Congress; joins BJP #Manipur

— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2017

BJP in striking distance of forming a government in Manipur

​The BJP is within a striking distance of forming a government in Manipur with the National People’s Party (NPP) extending support to it and thus enabling it reach the vaunted 31-seat-mark in the 60-member state assembly, NPP National President Conrad Sangma said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party won 21 seats in the assembly elections held earlier this month. It has already been promised support by the Naga People’s Front which has four seats, the Lok Janshakti Party (one) and one Independent.

The NPP won four seats in the recent assembly elections.

Sangma said they will meet Governor Najma Heptulla to stake claim to forming the government in the state.

We will approach Guv Najma Heptulla seeking her to invite BJP, NPP & LJP to form govt in Manipur: Ram Madhav, BJP Gen Secy pic.twitter.com/7rH8rWm0SR

— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2017

National Peoples' Party is in alliance with BJP at the Centre; was natural for us to work with them in Manipur too: Conrad Sangma, NPP Prez pic.twitter.com/CdMoIDqbvG

— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2017

BJP close to forming government in Manipur for the first time

Out of a total of 60 seats in the Assembly, BJP has managed to snap up 21 seats and it needs 10 more seats to achieve the magic number and form a government in the state.

The Naga People’s Front which has won four seats will not support Congress, said a press release issued by it. The release also said that it will support any non-Congress led government.

The National People’s Party, which has won four seats too has announced its support for the saffron party. It still needs two more seats.

If the BJP manages to woo the Independent MLA Ashab Uddin (who has one seat) and the Lo Jan Shakti Party (which too has one seat to it’s name), the BJP is in the rare position to form government in a state it is a new-comer to.

We have the support required to form government in Manipur. We will prove it on the floor of the house: Ram Madhav, BJP Gen Secy in Imphal pic.twitter.com/Pkkhy6nctN

— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2017

Modi speaks at BJP headquarters in Delhi

Follow live updates on Modi’s address  here

Ye swarnim samay achanak praapt nahin hua, katthor parishram se yahan pohache hain: PM Modi at BJP HQ pic.twitter.com/T3SuUleGr8

— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2017

BJP close to forming government in Manipur

ANI reported that the BJP was close to forming a government in Manipur after the National People’s Party announced its support.

BJP close to forming government in Manipur; NPP announces support to BJP pic.twitter.com/34pH7jg66u

— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2017

Imphal (Manipur): National Peoples' Party leaders meet BJP leaders #ManipurElection

— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2017

Amit Shah addresses party workers in Delhi, say people’s mandate reasserts that Modi most popular leader
 

Amit Shah thanks the people for supporting the BJP in Manipur. “BJP is soon making its impression in the northeastern states as well,” he said. “The BJP will win the 2019 general election as well,” he added.

Follow live updates on Modi’s address here

NPF official: Will support any non-Congress party to form government

The Naga People’s Front (NPF) will support any non-Congress party to form the new government in Manipur, an NPF official said on Sunday. 

The Naga People’s Front bagged four seats in the Manipur elections, which threw up a hung Assembly with the ruling Congress bagging 28 of the 60 seats and the BJP making giant strides to net 21 seats.

“We are an alliance of NDA and therefore we will support the North East Democratic Alliance, which comprises non-Congress parties even in Manipur,” NPF spokesperson," Achumbemo Kikon said.

He asserted that NPF will not join the Congress even if approached to form the government in the state, maintaining the party’s earlier stance to rid the region of the Congress party.

BJP seeks appointment with Manipur Governor Najma Heptulla, ANI reports

BJP seeks appointment with Manipur Governor Najma Heptulla #ElectionResults pic.twitter.com/Hrz2WUkLoQ

— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2017

Congress spokesperson alleges that BJP has ‘abducted’ an independent MLA

Congress spokesperson Randeep S Surjewala has alleged that the BJP used the CISF to ‘abduct’ independent MLA  Ashab Uddin at the Imphal airport and have flown him to Kolkata. 

A local reporter told Firstpost that Ashab Uddin was travelling with Congress MLA Abdul Nasir. According to reports, when Nasir and Ashab Uddin arrived at the airport, a scuffle took place between Nasir and BJP MLA Th Bishwajit. 

The CISF then allegedly handed over Ashab Uddin to the BJP team at Imphal, who reportedly arranged for a special flight to take Asabuddin to Guwahati. The flight reportedly took off 3:40 pm.

According to reports, Assam Finance minister Himanta Bishwa, convenor, North-East Democratic Alliance, also met Ashab Uddin at the airport and strongly lobbied for him to join the BJP.

BJP now misusing CISF & Airport authorities to detain & abduct Independent MLA, Asabuddin at Imphal, Airport and take him to Calcutta. 1/n

— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) March 12, 2017

Manipur Update: We need 31 seats to stake claim. By tomorrow morning we should be able to give you the numbers: Himanta Biswa Sarma, BJP

— News18 (@CNNnews18) March 12, 2017

BJP is in position to snap up backers

Though no party gained absolute majority in Manipur in the declared results of Assembly polls on Saturday, the ruling Congress emerged as the single largest party with 28 seats just three seats behind the tally of 31 required to form a government.

The results defied the CVoter survey results which predicted 25 to 31 seats for BJP and 23 at the most for Congress. The number of seats gained by BJP in this election is 21.

The saffron party saw a giant stride in terms of gains in number of seats and vote share from what it was in the earlier Assembly election held in 2012.

In the last Assembly election the saffron party won no seat and garnered only 2.12 percent of votes compared to 21 seats and the 34.46 percent vote share it acquired this time. On the other hand the Congress saw decline in 11.02 percent votes.

Read the full story here

Congress spokesperson accuses BJP of manipulation

Unfortunate, BJP refuses to accept the mandate of voters from Manipur&Goa, @INCIndia single largest party in both states yet BJP manipulates

— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) March 12, 2017

NPP to play kingmaker in Manipur

Outlook reported that the National People’s Party of former Lok Sabha Speaker PA Sangma is likely to play kingmaker in Manipur

Okram Ibobi Singh elected as leader of Congress legislature party

Manipur: Okram Ibobi Singh elected as leader of Congress legislature party pic.twitter.com/aOE3gqTL06

— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2017

Till we meet again

I like to see myself as the Queen. And though some might point to today and say monarchs don’t often fare well in a democracy, I would like to believe some day I will win. And that’s the day I will sing this.

We will form govt with secular, regional parties: Manipur Congress

​Imphal: With Manipur heading for a hung assembly, Manipur PCC President T N Haokip said on Saturday his party would form the next government with the help of “like-minded secular and regional parties.”

The 60-member Manipur assembly is headed for a hung assembly as none of the political parties managed to reach the magic figure of 31.

“We are confident that we will form the next government in Manipur. We are already in talks with like-minded secular and regional parties,” Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief Haokip told PTI.

Apart from the Congress and the BJP which had bagged 19 and 18 seats respectively and are leading in five and three seats, National Peoples Party (NPP) has won three and is leading in one seat. The Naga Peoples Front, which has an alliance with the BJP in Nagaland, too bagged three seats and is leading in one.

Lok Jan Shakti Party too won a seat.

Asked if the Congress is open to an alliance with the NPF, Haokip said “The Congress will never go for an alliance with the NPF and the BJP. We are open for alliance with any other party.”

PTI

BJP's electoral gain in Manipur is a reiteration of support by the people of the North East for PM @narendramodi ji's 'Act East' policy.

— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) March 11, 2017

 Disenchantment with the system could be reason for tie between Congress, BJP

Democracy could either spoil you for choice or leave you with no choice, just like neutrality isn’t as much a result of confusion but a rejection of two sides that one perceives as equally imperfect. The Congress and BJP are neck-to-neck in Manipur, both have won more than 20 seats each till now (at the time of publishing this article). From 1992 till 2015, 2,248 civilians, 2,763 non-state armed rebels and 984 security personnel were reportedly killed in Manipur. Last July, the Supreme Court held that the allegations of excessive force resulting in the death of any person by Manipur Police or the armed forces in Manipur must be thoroughly enquired into. It was also held that even while dealing with the ’enemy’, the rule of law would apply.

Irom Sharmila, once an symbol of people’s pride, has secured zero seats. “While her sacrifice and intent has earned the love and support of the people of Manipur, her decision to join politics has made her lose that charm of being an icon and an inspiration. Also, mere months aren’t enough to prepare her to take on the chief minister; lakhs are pumped into the campaigns of big political parties.”

Read full article here

Manipur headed for hung assembly as Congress, BJP in close battle

A big story of the election is the emergence of the BJP as a formidable contender for power. Having finished without any seat five years back, it outfit has come up with its best ever showing in the assembly polls in the northeastern state. While it is certain to finish as one of the two largest parties, its leaders were hoping to do one better with four results yet to come.
 

The Congress was putting up a good show, with the BJP giving them a close run for money, in the six districts of the Imphal Valley comprising 40 constituencies.
 

In the ten hill districts, where the Congress is comparatively weak, the BJP and the Naga People’s Front were battling it out for the 20 seats. The NPF was leading in all three districts in Senapati district.

Read full article here.

Modi congratulates the work of party workers

I salute the hardwork of BJP Karyakartas. They have tirelessly worked hard at the grassroots level & won the confidence of the people.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 11, 2017

Can’t they count faster?

Incoming chief ministers of most states have already moved into their new bungalows, but Manipur is still waiting for counting to end. Why is counting of votes taking so much time?

BJP President Amit Shah addresses press conference

Addressing media soon after the projected victory in Uttar Pradesh, BJP president Amit Shah said that this is a historic mandate for BJP. 

To follow LIVE click here .

Irom Sharmila’s done with this election business

If elections constitute the so-called ‘dance of democracy’, a clearly dejected PRJA founder Sharmila says she’s never gonna dance again. I understand.

“Will never contest elections again,” says Irom Sharmila after defeat in Thoubal

​

After losing the Assembly election in Thoubal, Irom Sharmila, upset by the turn of events, told The Indian Express she would never contest elections again. Sharmila only netted 90 votes in the Assembly election. The activist was taking on Chief Minister Okram Ibobi in his own constituency.

The trajectory of leads for the Congress and BJP

The BJP and Congress are neck and neck, according to reports

According to CNN-News 18, these are the numbers 
Party: Lead
INC:  20
BJP: 20
Others: 10
 

According to NDTV, these are the numbers 
Party: Lead
INC: 25
BJP: 24
Others: 8
 

According to Times Now, these are the numbers
Party: Lead
INC: 18
BJP: 23
NPP: 3
Others:5

BJP makes giant strides in Manipur

Latest data released by the Election Commission shows the BJP made giant strides in Manipur. Their vote share increased by 32.48 percent, while the Congress’ vote share declined 8.42 percent.

In comparison, in the 2012 Assembly election, the BJP’s entire vote share was 2.12 percent, while the Congress netted 42.42 percent.

A Bimol Akoijam, a Manipur intellectual, said that the Congress anticipated this outcome as Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh did not campaign in the 2012 Assembly election, however, this time, he went around asking for votes.

How Ibobi may have lost people’s trust in polls which centred around public issues

In the run-up to the Assembly elections 2017, Ibobi has been the mover and the opponents only a responder. So Ibobi raised the issue of the Framework Agreement between the central government and the NSCN(IM).

This was the beginning of Ibobi losing the advantage in the game of elections. This made the population in the hills of Manipur, particularly the Nagas, feet the anti-tribal nature of Ibobi government. Then the biggest flaw in Ibobi’s strategic moves for the elections came when he publicly claimed his non-corruptibility. Ibobi may be right in claiming that he was not corrupt, but the public perception is absolutely otherwise. This made Ibobi a matter of public ridicule when only a few days were left for the elections and sharpened the public longing for a change.

Read full article here

Despite appearances, Congress doing well in hill areas

The Congress makes inroads in Naga areas, wins Karong constituency. INC candidate DD Thaisii wins the constituency by 4293 votes. The trailing candidate is BJP’s R Yuh Jonathan Tao with 9745 votes.

Kipgen wins in Kangpokpi

BJP leader Nemcha Kipgen is wins in the Kangpokpi constituency by 2297 votes defeating independent candidate Kharga Tamang. Kipgen is the wife of Kuki National Front chief and recently defected from the Congress to the BJP.

BJP is the way forward for peace, prosperity and development of Manipur. Mrs. Nemcha Kipgen, MLA Kangpokpi AC pic.twitter.com/SQZMVCprHP

— BJP Manipur (@BJP4Manipur) January 25, 2017

Manipur looks like it’s coming down to the wire

According to CNN-News 18, these are the numbers 
Party: Lead
INC:  17
BJP: 17
Others: 10
 

According to NDTV, these are the numbers 
Party: Lead
INC: 24
BJP: 18
Others: 1
 

According to Times Now, these are the numbers
Party: Lead
INC: 17
BJP: 16
NPP: 5
Others: 6

Nationalist People’s Party candidate wins Uripok seat

Y Jaikumar Singh secured Uripok seat for Nationalist People’s Party (NPP), defeating his nearest opponent by 345 votes.

BJP candidate wins Sekmai constituency

BJP candidate Heikham Dingo Singh won Sekmai constituency by 2,532 votes.

BJP candidate wins Konthoujam constituency 

BJP candidate Sapam R Singh emerged victorious in Konthoujam seat by a margin of 2,772 votes.

Congress candidate wins Thangmeiband constituency

Congress party candidate K Jaikishen Singh won Thangmeiband by just 157 votes.

Congress candidate bags Lilong constituency

Congress leader Md Abdul Naser won Lilong constituency by a difference of 1,268 votes.

BJP candidate wins Kangpokpi constituency

The BJP’s Nemcha Kipgen defeated independent candidate Kharga Tamang by over 2297 votes

Party wise vote share, according to the Election Commission of India

Congress marginally ahead of BJP in Manipur, reports say

Congress was running in pole position with the BJP running a close second in the Manipur Assembly polls, as counting of votes progressed on Saturday. According to IANS, out of 39 constituencies for which trends were available, the Congress was leading in 17, and the BJP in 14, while the Left was leading in four. 

In the prestigious Thoubal constituency, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh defeated his nearest BJP rival Leitanthem Basanta Singh and social activist Irom Sharmila, who received around 90 votes.

Thirty companies of central forces have been deployed to guard the counting centres. The Election Commission officials are monitoring the counting online with CCTV facilities.

The race remains tight in Manipur

According to CNN-News 18, these are the numbers

Party: Lead
INC:  14
BJP: 14
Others: 10

According to NDTV, these are the numbers

Party: Lead
INC: 20
BJP: 15
Others: 11

According to Times Now, these are the numbers

Party: Lead
INC: 12
BJP: 13
NPP: 6
Others: 7

D Korungthang of Indian National Congress wins Tengnoupal seat

In Keirao constituency, Independent candidate, MD Nasiruddin Khan wins by 111 votes to his close BJP rival Lourembam Rameshwor Meetei

Irom Sharmila brings the noise… slightly

As it turns out, we were wrong. Sharmila isn’t going out without a fight. She now has 90 votes and is in a strong position to break the 100 barrier. She’s bringing the noise alright.

Afspa issue hijacked by Congress and BJP

The dismal defeat of Irom  Sharmila in Manipur Assembly election with only 90 votes in her hand marks the reality that the issue of repealing Afspa is hijacked by both the national parties Indian National Congress and Bharatiya Janata party.

Irom Sharmila’s defeat is seen in the light of both the national parties taking up the issue of Afspa with much importance in their manifestos.

When the iron lady took to elections with only 5 candidates renouncing her path of agitation against Afspa, her close associate Babloo Loitongbam said to Firstpost that it was not about the number of candidates that matters but the issue.

“One can see that after Irom Sharmila appeared in the poll fray other parties have also taken the issue seriously,” he said.

Irom Sharmila’s defeat  in the election marks the reality that the national parties hijacked the issue of repealing of Afspa.

Konthoujam constituency

The BJP’s Sapam Ranjan Singh wins out over his rival Konthoujam Sharat from the Congress by a margin of 2,772 votes.

According to reports, this election is a real nail-biter

CNN-News 18
Congress: 14
BJP: 11
Others: 11
PRJA: 0
 
Times Now
Congress: 13
BJP: 12
Others: 5
NPP: 2
PRJA: 0
 
NDTV
Congress: 21
BJP: 14
Left: 1
PRJA: 0

Latest trends in state

BJP’s Nemcha Kipgen leads in Kangpokpi

​NPP’s Phunjathang leads in Churachandpur

Latest trend : Leading 

INC  – 9
BJP – 9 (Declared -1)
NPP – 3
IND  – 3
NPF – 3

The trajectory of leads for the Congress and BJP

Close count in Nambol AC

​Nambol AC- BJP leader Th Chaoba leading in Nambol AC in second round

Irom Sharmila’s final tally: 51 votes

Sadly, someone’s losing their deposit today.

Too fast too furious

All of this is wrapping up way too fast. Take Irom Sharmila’s brave battle against Chief Minister Ibobi Singh for instance. Is this just a small hurdle for PRJA or is it all over? Ruminate on that over this next track. And if you have any requests, drop them in the comments section.

AND KEEP IT LOUD! m/

According to reports, a tight race is unfolding between the BJP and Congress

CNN-News 18
Congress: 12
BJP: 13
Others: 8
PRJA: 0
 
Times Now
Congress: 10
BJP: 11
Others: 5
NPP: 2
PRJA: 0
 
NDTV
Congress: 18
BJP: 13
Left: 2
PRJA: 0

Irom Sharmila loses to Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh

According to CNN-News 18, Irom Sharmila, contesting the election as a candidate of her People’s Resurgence and Justice Alliance (PRJA), lost to Congress candidate Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh in Thoubal constituency.  PTI reported that Sharmila picked up only 51 votes in Thoubal, which is the home constituency of the chief minister.

Trends so far according to reports
 
CNN-News 18
Congress: 11
BJP: 10
Others: 6
PRJA: 0
 
Times Now
Congress: 8
BJP: 7
Others: 3
NPP: 2
PRJA: 0
 
NDTV
Congress: 15
BJP: 10
Others: 5
PRJA: 0

Belief. Hope. Desire

PRJA’s Irom Sharmila has reportedly only picked up 51 votes in Thoubal constituency. THAT AIN’T RIGHT! C’mon, Sharmila…

Just 51 votes for Irom Sharmila, Ibobi Singh in the lead

In Thoubal, Irom Sharmila has managed to secure just 51 votes in Thoubal, according to PTI. Meanwhile, Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh is leading BJP candidate Leitanthem Basanta Singh by over 2000 votes.

The BJP is leading in Konthoujam, Chandel and Thangmeiband, while the Congress is leading in Lilong.  The Naga People’s Front is leading in Mao (ST) Assembly seat.

Congress’ day is going from bad to worse
 

I spoke to some friends of mine in other states and the Congress is getting routed in Uttar Pradesh and apparently Uttarakhand too. With the BJP ahead in Manipur, there’s a real chance the Congress will be…

Trends so far according to reports

News18

Congress: 6

BJP: 9

Others: 2

PRJA: 0

Times Now

Congress: 6

BJP: 5

Others: 3

PRJA: 0

NDTV

Congress: 10

BJP: 4

Others: 3

PRJA: 0

Party wise vote share, according to the Election Commission of India

Sharmila trailing? No ******* way!

I don’t know if I should say this, but I’m sure a lot of people are thinking it.

A long way to go

With one hour of counting out of the way, The Congress leads in five seats, BJP is ahead in three and the PRJA is yet to open its account. Oh well, there’s a long way to go and it’s a long way to the top….

Trends so far according to reports

News18:

Congress: 5

BJP: 3

Others: 2

PRJA: 0

Times Now:

Congress: 3

BJP: 1

Others: 3

NDTV:

Congress: 5

BJP: 1

Others: 1

CNN-News 18: Congress in the lead

At 9 am, CNN-News 18 reports that the Indian National Congress is in the lead in Manipur with 5 seats. The BJP, meanwhile has 3 seats. Irom Sharmila’s PRJA is yet to open its account.

Trends so far according to reports

News18:

Congress: 3

BJP: 2

Others: 2

Times Now:

Congress: 2

BJP: 1

Others: 2

NDTV:

Congress: 2

BJP: 1

Others: 1

​Irom Sharmila trails CM Ibobi Singh in Thoubal 

According to CNN-News 18, Irom Sharmila is trailing Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh in Thoubal constituency. Singh is a canny political operator who is running for his fourth consecutive term.

How Manipur’s unemployment rates compare to the other states

How Manipur’s literacy rates compare with the other states

Narendra Modi’s first big test since demonetisation  

This is the day that’ll give us clarity on whether Narendra Modi’s political capital gained or lost on account of his disruptive policy — the demonetisation of Rs 500, Rs 1,000 notes on 8 November last year. The trends seen in various surveys and certain civic poll results give us a sense that the prime minister continues to enjoy the ground support of people despite heavy criticism from many economists and political rivals on the note ban move. 

But, all of this still left room for counter arguments as well, since those outcomes did not, conclusively, offer clarity on whether demonetisation benefited the BJP, although they indeed told us that it didn’t harm the party so far. Hence, arguably, the first major test Modi will face on the note ban will be in state polls, where the public mandate will be out today. 

If the mighty Modi wave, started in 2014, is still intact and brings a landslide victory for his party in crucial states, mainly Uttar Pradesh, then these numbers will silence his rivals, who have been projecting the ‘disastrous effects’ of demonetisation on all walks of life and larger economy. The flaws in the way the note ban was implemented, prompted even former prime minister Manmohan Singh, to use phrases such as ‘mammoth tragedy’ and ‘organised loot, legalised plunder’ to describe Modi’s move. 

Almost all of his political rivals used demonetisation as a tool to attack Modi since the day it was announced. Let’s remember that demonetisation, besides being a bold, unprecedented economic policy, also carried significant weight as a big political move in Modi’s term. For the Modi government, this was also a political necessity to show the world that its stated focus on black money holders — one of its major poll promises in 2014 — hasn’t faded over time. Will Modi pass his first big demonetisation test? Exit polls indicate he will, but let’s wait for the numbers to speak.

Irom Sharmila says she will not give up

Irom Sharmila speaking to ANI, appeared in a defiant mood, even as vote counting began. Sharmila said that if she was defeated in this Assembly election, she would not give up. “I will try again in the 2019 national election,” she said.

Counting begins

Buckle up, there’s numbers — and lots of them — ahead.

#FLASH Assembly polls: Counting of votes in the 5 states-Manipur, Punjab, UP, Uttarakhand & Goa, begins. pic.twitter.com/VUhl4ZN6h1

— ANI (@ANI) March 11, 2017

Essential indicators in Manipur

Unemployment rate: 3.4%.

Gsdp: 0.54% (2015-16)

Revenue deficit: Rs 49,960 crore (4.04% of GSDP)

Fiscal deficit: 2.6% (2015-16) – A special category state

Per capita income: Rs 43,163 (National: Rs 86,879) for FY 14-15

Irom Sharmila ahead of counting of votes

“I do not feel much affected by the result. It depends upon the people’s mindset. I don’t feel much affected by it, because people can still change their minds and everybody knows muscle and money power is being openly used by parties,” Irom Sharmila told ANI.

Muscle, money power openly used by parties: Irom Sharmila https://t.co/d91oCpXEtZ Read @ANI_news story #Manipur pic.twitter.com/gdQ1KJMv3h

— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) March 11, 2017

Amidst rain and tight security, counting set to begin in Manipur. Will Ibobi make a comeback or will BJP break another bastion? pic.twitter.com/AGm4nzr1q6

— Subhajit Sengupta (@SubhajitSG) March 11, 2017

#ElectionResults2017: starting from 8 AM today https://t.co/griJul8cJF

Here → https://t.co/KDA3supVv3 pic.twitter.com/lCjfhXkMGV

— PIB India (@PIB_India) March 11, 2017

Northeast region in grip of BJP wave, will form govt in Manipur, says Ram Madhav

“Like all parts of India, a BJP wave has gripped the entire northeastern region. People want BJP government everywhere for good governance,” Ram Madhav told India Today

Northeast region in grip of BJP wave, will form govt in Manipur, says Ram Madhav https://t.co/hFYJqGomSo via @indiatoday

— Ram Madhav (@rammadhav_) March 11, 2017

State on tenterhooks as predictions swing wild between Congress, BJP

 
With most of the exit poll surveys predicting a clear victory for BJP in Manipur, a question that is doing the rounds is that if BJP is going to repeat history in the North East after the big Assam win last year.
 
Read full article here

Key candidates in Manipur

As the major exit polls predict their results for Manipur Assembly Election, one clear takeaway is that BJP is enjoying an ascendancy in north-eastern states. The Congress party’s 15-year rule Manipur seems to be coming to an end, as exit polls forecast the BJP will likely win the 60-strong Manipur Assembly election.

After two phases of voting, Manipur’s polling process has ended and results will be declared on Saturday. Here’s a brief list of possible chief ministerial candidates for the state:

Read full article here

Can BJP recreate its Assam success in another North East state?

Like Assam, the BJP in Manipur was pitted against a three-time chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh, someone who had acquired an aura of invincibility in the state. His loss would be a huge blow to the Congress. It would lose another state and add to the string of losses that the party faced since 2013. It would also mean announcing that one of its most powerful regional leader has retired hurt and wounded.

The BJP and RSS had been working for long in this area without tangible results. It was Atal Bihari Vajpayee as prime minister who created a separate ministry for welfare of the North East. But small administrative measures were no substitute for ground politics.

Since the time Narendra Modi became BJP’s prime ministerial candidate, he placed equal emphasis on the North East just as any other part of the country. He addressed multiple rallies in different parts of the North East and becoming the prime minister, North East remained high on the agenda. Party president Amit Shah gave this agenda a push and took it to party forums.

Read full article here

Ibobi confident that his party will perform well and form government in state

On Friday, in an interview with ANI Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh expressed confidence of achieving absolute majority in the Assembly polls.

He said that the Congress would win around 42 seats in the 60-member assembly.

“I am hopeful that the people of Manipur will give a clear mandate to our party. We are confident of getting a clear majority this time. We will win anywhere between 40 and 42 seats,” he said.

Exit polls have predicted a remarkable victory for the Congress in Manipur.

CM Okram Ibobi Singh upbeat about forming government in Manipur https://t.co/lzai1OWuTa Read @ANI_news story pic.twitter.com/mASnniHnFx

— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) March 10, 2017

Ibobi will have tough time forming govt if Congress gets less than 25 seats

The prediction comes at a time when the frontier state has seen swelling of Meitei and Naga nationalistic sentiments giving Congress in the Valley and Naga People’s Front (NPF) in the hills an edge over other parties.

According to CVoter survey prediction the saffron party will bag 25 to 31 seats in the state that has 60 assembly constituencies.

The survey also predicts that the ruling Congress would get at the most 23 seats.

While reacting to CVoter survey result, Elangbam Johnson, President of the United Council of Manipur told Firstpost that in ground the situation looks different from what it has been predicted.

“It seems that both Congress and BJP will stand on equal footing in the result. The result is likely to be shared more or less 50-50, by both the parties,” he says.