Two withdraw, 173 in fray for 1st phase
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 11 2022: Following withdrawal of nomination papers by two candidates, altogether 173 candidates are now in fray from 38 assembly constituencies which will go to the polls in the first phase of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly election on February 28 .

On the last day of withdrawal of nomination papers on Friday, Independent candidate Pukhrambam Somojit Singh from Langthabal AC and another Independent candidate Thangmilien Kipgen from Kangpokpi AC withdrew their nominations.

With Somojit's withdrawal, Langthabal AC has now only four candidates in fray and they are Okram Joy Singh of INC, Karam Shyam of BJP, Karam Nabakrshor Singh of NPP and Independent candidate Hijam Somarendro Singh.

Pukhrambam Somojit submitted for withdrawal of his candidature at the office of Returning Officer Scindia Laipubam around 1.20 pm Friday.

After withdrawing his candidature, Somojit told media persons at Imphal Hotel that he had worked for BJP for more than 20 years and sought BJP ticket with high hope of getting the same.

However, the party did not issue ticket on certain ground and he decided to contest the election as an Independent candidate as per wishes of his supporters and people of the constituency.

Amidst the preparation to contest election, some BJP leaders advised him not to waste 20 years of his hard work for the party abruptly and stay connected with the party to continue serving people without contesting election and accordingly he withdrew his candidature, Somojit said and appealed to people of the constituency not to take the decision otherwise and promised to work together with the people further.

Meanwhile, a DIPR report said that altogether 55 candidates will be contesting in the first-phase election in Imphal West district.

BJP and INC are fielding candidates in all 13 ACs in the district, NPP in 11 ACs while Janata Dal (United) fielded candidates in 9 ACs.

NCP is contesting from two ACs, Shiv Sena and the Republican Party of India (Athawale) from one AC each in the district.

The report also said that Independent candidate Nishikant Sapam from Keshamthong AC has been allotted Battery torch as his election symbol while the two Independent candidates Khwairakpam Roben Singh and Maharabam Anita Devi from Sekmai (SC) AC have been allotted Diamond and Helicopter symbols respectively.

Independent candidate from Lamsang AC Arambam Karamjit Singh has been allotted Auto rickshaw symbol.

The lone Independent candidate from Langthabal AC Hijam Somarendro Singh has been allotted Pineapple as his election symbol, the report added.

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