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168 candidates in fray for Manipur polls first phase

A total of 168 candidates are in the fray for Manipur polls first phase in 38 assembly constituencies. Of 60,…

168 candidates in fray for Manipur polls first phase

Representational image (Photo: AFP)

A total of 168 candidates are in the fray for Manipur polls first phase in 38 assembly constituencies.

Of 60, 38 hill and 22 valley constituencies will go to polls on March 4 in the state.

While there is no Congress candidate in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi constituencies, BJP is the only party which is contesting all seats.

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11 independents will contest in the first phase.

Most of the constituencies will see straight fights. However 11 candidates are in the fray in the Saikul constituency. Manipur's political heavyweight Phungzathang Tonsing, who was given a Congress ticket for the Churachandpur constituency, had resigned from the primary membership of the party.

Nemcha Kipgen, the lone tribal woman MLA also resigned from Congress and is contesting as BJP candidate from Kangpokpi constituency.

Manipur People's Party candidates were given two different election symbols – of petrol pump and cycle, leading to protests. Protests continued till late Saturday.

Candidates of the Manipur People's Party who were allotted petrol pump symbol hung around Chief Election Officer’s office till late Saturday demanding the bicycle symbol of the party for decades.

However poll officials said, "The symbol cannot be changed now. Following court cases the Manipur People's Party was derecognised. Later the group led by N Sovakiran was recognised as the MPP office bearers."

However, officials later said some of the candidates will now contest in the symbol of petrol pump.

"N Sovakiran and some others will be allowed to contest in the bicycle symbol in the second phase on March 8."

Officials explained, "There was no time for official processing of the documents while the court case was pending, with the result that the first batch of candidates was given the petrol pump symbol. But there will be time for allotting the bicycle symbol for the rest of the candidates."

(With inputs from Agencies)

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