BJP ticket seekers making plan-B
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 25 2022:
As almost every assembly constituency in the state is witnessing the presence of at least 3 intending BJP candidates, the aspiring candidates who may fail to get the party tickets, are keeping their eyes on NPP or JD-U for shifting allegiance.
Meanwhile, in some constituencies, with increase in the number intending candidates, NPP and JD-U are also facing a fierce fight over party tickets.
According to sources, the number of BJP intending candidates, those who have low hope of getting the party tickets and requesting to join and represent NPP has been on the rise.
Speaking to The People's Chronicle in this regard, a spokesperson of NPP conveyed that the party has announced its candidates for 20 constituencies and names for at least 20 more constituencies will soon be announced.
Of the latter, some of the intending candidates of BJP with low hope of winning the party tickets, have begun contacting NPP with request for representing the regional party, while also requesting for time till the names of BJP candidates are announced.
The spokesperson stated that as the number of intending BJP candidates in some constituencies are many, at least 2-3 candidates are requesting to join NPP, making it difficult for the latter in selection of the party candidates.
Presently, NPP has no plan to form pre-poll alliance with BJP and all decision in this regard will be taken after the election results are declared.
NPP, however, is planning to field at least 40 candidates, the spokesperson informed, while expressing belief that the party would win the polls and become the single largest party.
On the other hand, a leader of JD-U Manipur Unit conveyed to this daily that the party is planning to announce the second round of names of candidates for some constituencies.
The delay in announcing the candidates for some of the constituencies is because of the deliberation on selecting the right candidates.
Informing that many including some intending BJP candidates have been contacting JD-U to represent it in the polls, the JD-U leader stated that the party will not be selecting every intending candidate as the party candidate, adding the final candidate will be selected based on his/her winning capability.
Amongst those who have contacted JD-U, there are many sitting and ex-MLAs awaiting to get the ticket of BJP.
Thus, the JD-U will announce another list of candidates within the next few days, the leader conveyed.