Pratibha Patil already a winner in Manipur

Imphal, Jul 18 (UNI) UPA-backed Presidential nominee Pratibha Patil seems already a winner in Manipur a day ahead of the poll,according to sources in the Assembly.

In the 60-member House, the ruling Secular Progressive Front (SPF) with 31 Congress MLAs, four CPI and three RJD have extended their support to the UPA candidate.

Even the Opposition NCP and NPP with four MLAs each and four Independents were expected to support Ms Patil, who if wins would be the first woman president of the country.

Preparations were on in the Assembly for the Presidential poll tomorrow.

The voting would be done from 1000 to 1700 hours at the Committee Room of the Legislative Assembly.

The Assembly officials have tightened the security arrangements.

No vehicle would be allowed to ply in the complex, which had been barricaded for the poll.

UNI