Lobbying for Rajya Sabha elections begins in Manipur

Imphal, Feb 27: The Congress has started looking for a candidate from Manipur for the Rajya Sabha elections scheduled to be held on March 26.

The Congress commands a comportable majority of 31 seats in the 60 - member House. The CPI with four members and the RJD with three members are also extending support to the Congress - led Secular Progressive Front government in Manipur, leaving the Opposition with a bleak chance of winning the seat.

Manipur has a lone Rajya Sabha seat and Rishang Keishing of the Congress is the sitting MP. Congress leaders refused to comment on the prospective party candidate. Party officials said election notifications will be issued on March 8 and the last date for filing nominations will be March 15, hence there was ample time to declare the name of the person.

Elections will also be held for seven members from Maharashtra and six each from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, five each from West Bengal and Bihar and four each from Orissa and Gujarat, Manipur Information Centre officials said.

UNI