PAYING THE PRICE |
Courtesy: The Sangai Express February 26, 2002 |
The fall of many political heavyweights like ninepins in this round of Manipur Legislative Assembly elections is not unexpected altogether. Radhabinod Koijam of the Samata Party, who headed a hotchpotch Ministry for some three months before the imposition of President's Rule in June last year was the first political heavyweight who came a cropper in the husting. The Samata Party leader was defeated by BJP President Meinam Bhorot Singh in Thangmeiband constituency. Radhabinod has been representing the constituency for the last many terms. Like Radhabinod Koijam, the former Chief Minister Wahengbam Nipamacha Singh was also vanquished in Wangoi constituency by a new entrant Y Mani of the Manipur State Congress Party. Another former Chief Minister, who was defeated after many terms is Rishang Keishing of the Congress (I) in Phungyar constituency. The veteran Congress leader, who was considered to be one the contenders for the top post was routed by Wungnashong Keishing of the MSCP. Another heavyweight, who projected himself as the next Chief Minister of Manipur was also defeated by a new entrant. The former Deputy Chief Minister and president of the Federal Party of Manipur Dr L Chandramani Singh lost to Moirangthem Nabadwip of the CPI in Patsoi constituency. Dr Chandramani had been representing this constituency for the past many terms. The few political heavyweights who managed to retain their respective seats are BJP leader and former Chief Minister RK Dorendra Singh, MPP president Okram Joy Singh and Dr Nimaichand Luwang of the MPP. Of the four former Chief Ministers who contested the election only one managed to come back. Several other middle rung leaders like H Bidur, Moirangthem Oken and M Hemanta also bite the dust.
|
* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.