Congress pitted against Independent candidates in hill areas

Imphal, Jan 30 (UNI) The Congress and independent candidates supported by the United Naga Council (UNC) are busy preparing for the first phase of Manipur elections to be held on February 8 in Ukhrul, Senapati and Thoubal districts.

The polls will be held in 19 Assembly segments with 77 candidates in the fray.

Out of the three districts going to the polls in the first phase, Ukhrul and Senapati were dominated by Naga tribes and the UNC has selected some independent candidates. The Congress has fielded candidates in all the 19 Assembly segments.

The election scene in the three districts was somber except Thoubal district where the Chief Minister O Ibobi is contesting in two Assembly segments. Thoubal being the seat of Chief Minister is the hub of activities.

In the first election, the Congress has fielded candidates in all 19 seats, the Manipur Peoples' Party (MPP) has fielded eight, the NCP and RJD five each, the CPI four, the BJP, MSCP, SP, NNP two each and the NPP and JD(U) one each.

The rest were independent candidates. The rush to contest as independent candidate was more in the two Naga dominated districts due to the stricture from the UNC.

About 163 candidates have so far filed their nominations for the second phase of the elections to be held on February 14 for 29 Assembly segments in Imphal West, Imphal East and Bishenpur district.

Officials said the final tally will be known after the last date of withdrawal.

Meanwhile, for the 12 Assembly segments which will go to polls in third phase, filing of nomination papers have started.

The third phase of elections will be held at Churachandpur, Tamenglong and Chandel districts.

UNI