Congress, BJP try level best to woo votes for Manipur polls

Imphal: The Congress and the BJP have pumped in all available forces for the Manipur Assembly polls scheduled to be held on March 4 and 8. The Congress campaign is led by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, Dy Chief Minister Gaikhangam and president T N Haokip. Mr Ibobi being a Meitei, Gaikhangam being a Naga and Haokip a Kuki the Congress is pushing the secular images and using development planks to seek votes. The Congress leaders have reportedly informed central leaders that they can carry out the election activities on their own . BJP however is using central leaders to campaign for the elections as the party has only one MLA.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, HRD Minister Javedkar, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu , BJP Manipur in-charge Prahlad Singh Patel, Assam Finance Minister Hemanta Biswas and others were taking part in the election campaign. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also likely to visit Manipur on Feb 25. Rajnath Singh who toured the state till late to meet candidates and voters said the Framework Agreement signed between the Government of India and NSCN-IM on August 3, 2015 will not affect Manipur in any manner at all. Territorial integrity is a touchy issue in Manipur as people of the state have opposed any compromise of its territory. Mr Singh further said BJP will construct four lane roads to connect all districts, provide water, investigate fake encounters incidents and make Manipur the eco tourism capital of the country.

 When being queried about declaring a leader for the BJP in the state, Mr Singh did not give any statement. Chief Minister O Ibobi said the Congress will be trying to provide jobs to at least 3 lakh unemployed youths by focusing on IT sector. He said the state is now benefiting the efforts of the government as 24 power supply is provided to all. He said in Manipur, Infant Mortality Rate is low. MPCC president TN Haokip said Manipur is different from other states and only a secular party like Congress will come out strong. Mr Gaikhangam said the Congress is taking up developmental works in the rural and interior areas of the state. Chief electoral Officer VK Dewangan said Director General of Election Commission of lndia Sudeep Jain will visit DHQs of Tamenglong, Ukhrul, Senapatl and Chandel today and review Poll Preparedness and Security scenario in the above districts and new districts of Noney, Kamjong and Tamenglong.

He will meet top officers of Army, Assam Rifles, CRPF and BSF alongwith State Police Nodal Officer tomorrow. The full team of Election Commission of lndia led by Nasim Zaidi, Chief Election Commissioner, A K Joti, Election Commissioner and Om Prakash Rawat, Election Commissioner are visiting Manipur on Feb 21 and 22. A total of 168 candidates are in the fray for the first phase poll to be held in 38 constituencies on Mar 4. For the second phase 102 candidates are in the fray in 22 constituencies. (UNI)