Imphal, March 27: With the election clock ticking fast the Opposition Democratic People's Alliance (DPA) has finally made a significant breakthrough in narrowing down on fielding consensus candidates for both the Outer and Inner Manipur Parliamentary constituencies as number of candidates for the Outer seat increased to two today.

The DPA breakthrough came about during a marathon five hour long meeting held today at the Keishamthong residence of MLA L Ibomcha where members present approved Dr Chandramani of the Federal Party of Manipur as nominee for the Inner and former MP Kim Gangte for the Outer seat as MPP candidate.

Talking to The Sangai Express minutes after conclusion of the meeting Dr Nimaichand Luwang of the MPP said he had to sacrifice his candidature in the Inner seat to preserve the spirit of alliances of like minded political parties.

He also informed that the FPM election manifesto will be drafted in consultation with leaders of the DPA partners.

Mention may be made that the MLA was also in the running for the Inner seat.

On the other hand MLA O Joy of the MPP endorsed that Kim Gangte and FPM president Dr Chandramani would file their nominations soon after the DPA approval to their candidature even though Prof Gangmumei Kamei remarked that a final decision to field Kim Gangte as DPA's common candidate in the Outer would be taken in a meeting scheduled tomorrow.

He further stated that as one of the DPA constituent Janata Dal (United) had also expressed willingness to field its own candidate in the Outer Kim Gangte could not be termed as the alliance's common choice as interests and voices of all the DPA partners had to be accommodated.

However, for the FPM selection of Kim Gangte would not be opposed, Gangmumei said adding that the DPA would jointly campaign for any common choice of the alliance.

Barring the conspicuous absence of BJP many prominent leaders of the DPA partners like the MPP, FPM, Janata Dal (U).

DRPP were present in the meeting that began from 5 pm.

Earlier in the morning, a separate meeting of the DPA was also held at the residence of O Joy.

Meanwhile, elections for the Outer Parliamentary constituency to be held on April 20 has gained momentum with the filing of nomination papers by an Independent candidates today taking the number to two so far.

Former Divisional Forest Officer Mani Charenamai who is from IT Road of Tamenglong district filed his nomination paper as an Independent candidate at the office of Returning Officer and Imphal West Deputy Commissioner Y Surchandra today noon accompanied by a large number of supporters.

BJP candidate D Loli Adanee had already filed his nomination on March 24.Charenamai's proposers include former Minister DP Panmei of Tamenglong district, SW Tharmi of Ukhrul district, Mani Khodom of Thoubal district, Kaidinlungbou of Tamei, VI Moan of Chandel district and Peter Thangal of Senapati district.

Sources from the office of Returning Officer said that so far only two candidates have filed their nomination papers for the Outer seat.

Ex-MP Holkhomang Haokip who was declared as NCP candidate in the same constituency is expected to file his nomination papers on Monday, said another source adding campaigning will begin from April 7.In the meantime, positive signal whether to field Congress candidate in the Outer seat from Delhi has not been received till late tonight even though Rajya Sabha MP Rishang Keishing is camping in Delhi to discuss on the matter with AICC leaders.

Preparation for fielding Congress candidate for the outer seat was in full swing with the ticket expected to go to Francis Ngajokpa.

However, the Sharad Pawar-Sonia Gandhi pact jolted the MPCC effort as instructions were given to the State unit of the Congress to support Holkhomang Haokip of NCP.

In this regard, Keishing left for Delhi yesterday to prevail upon the AICC leaders with a proposal to have a friendly contest between Congress and NCP at the outer seat.