84 candidates to fight for 19 seats in first phase Manipur polls

Imphal, Jan 23 (UNI) The battleline for the first phase of Manipur elections has been drawn with 84 candidates in the fray for 19 assembly segments of Thoubal, Ukhrul and Senapati districts of the state.

Election officials said the figure may change as the last date of withdrawal was on January 24 and the elections would be held on February 8.

The Congress party has fielded 18 candidates. Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh would be contesting from two constituencies--Thoubal and Khangabok.

A number of Independent candidates would be fighting from Ukhrul and Senapati districts. The United Naga Council has asked its candidates to contest as Independent candidate.

The Manipur People's Party (MPP) has has fielded eight candidates.

The NCP and RJD have also five candidates each, while CPI has fielded four candidates, and the BJP has fielded two.

Meanwhile, four candidates filed their nomination papers today.

Nominations for the second phase of elections, scheduled on February 14, were filed at Imphal West, Imphal East and Bishenpur districts. Elections would be held in 29 assembly segments in the third phase at Imphal East, West and Bishenpur districts. So far four candidates have filed their nomination papers. These four are former minister T Mangibabu, (Thanga Assembly Constituency, INC), former Minister M Kumar, (Sagolband, NCP), L Sumatibala (Keishamthong, CPI) and H Nabashyam (Singjamei, BJP).

UNI