Race for BJP ticket hots up in two seats
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 13 2019: It is becoming quite plausible that the BJP ticket for the outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency, may be given to a non-Naga candidate.

According to a source from BJP Manipur Pradesh, a meeting was held at Guwahati today to study those seeking the party's ticket in the whole North East region.

The meeting, which was participated by BJP North East in-charge Ram Madhav and the Chief Ministers of the BJP ruled NE States as well as the respective party presidents, deliberated on the potential candidates to whom the party ticket should be given.

A vague list was compiled at the end of the meeting and this list will be finalised after it is produced before a meeting of the BJP high command which will be attended by the Prime Minister and Amit Shah as well, the source explained.

The source continued that there is high possibility for a non-Naga candidate to be given the party ticket for Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency although it is not final.

BJP NE i/c Ram Madhav will arrive at Imphal this week and meet the MLAs, members and intending candidates, the source informed.

On the other hand, when it comes to the Congress party, an AICC level meeting will be held tonight to discuss the intending candidates.

It may be mentioned that the Congress party reportedly plans to provide party ticket to a Naga candidate if BJP hands its ticket to a non-Naga candidate.

However, whether or not BJP will give its ticket to a Naga or a non-Naga will be clear after the official announcement, the source added.

As there is a notion that the one proposed by the Chief Minister will be given preference, the source stated that it is believed that former MLA of Sagolband Kendra, Dr Loken, might be given the party ticket for the Inner Parliamentary Constituency.

This is supported by the rumours inside BJP Manipur Pradesh that the CM keen on giving the party ticket to Loken for quite some time, the source added.

Retd IPS Th Basanta is also working hard to get the party ticket.

In total, 8 individuals, including Loken and Basanta, are vying for the BJP ticket in the Inner Constituency, the source added.

The source also explained that a BJP Parliamentary Board meeting will be held on March 15 to finalise the candidates.

On the other hand, when it comes to NPF, it is still not clear yet as to whom the party will give its ticket for Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency.

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