Manipur 'betrays' Iron Lady: Only 85 people voted for Irom Sharmila

Believe it or not, iconic peace activist-turned-politician Irom Sharmila managed to get just 85 votes in the Manipur Assembly elections 2017.

Imphal, March 11: It was a 'shocking' defeat for peace activist-turned-politician Irom Sharmila in Manipur Assembly elections 2017 on Saturday. The 'Iron Lady' of Manipur managed to get just 85 votes in her maiden election in the state, say reports.

The defeat of Sharmila has shocked not just the people of Manipur, but the entire nation. It is difficult to believe that a person who fought for the people of the state against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act without eating anything for 16 years will lose an election so badly. In a way, Manipur cheated Sharmila.

Political debutant and founder of the Peoples' Resurgence and Justice Alliance Sharmila has lost election in Thoubal, Manipur, to Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, say reports on Saturday.

Earlier in the day, 'Iron Lady' of Manipur, Sharmila said she is not much affected by the exit poll result, adding that in case of her defeat she will try again in the 2019 General Election.

"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," she told ANI.

"What we really need to be is the power to bring the change and make the difference from dark to light. In case of my defeat, I want to try in 2019 election," she added.

Sharmila ended her 16 years hunger strike against the Armed Forces Special Powers Act last year. Afterwards, she formed her own political outfit.

OneIndia News