Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 02:
With the by election for the Konthoujam Assembly Constituency scheduled to be held on October 13, political parties have started preparations for the election, albeit on a low key note.
Till date two prospective candidates have taken the election forms for the Congress party while the seven Opposition parties have started exploring the avenues to nominate a common candidate.
By election in this Constituency was necessitated after its sitting MLA Dr Th Meinya was elected to the Lok Sabha as a Congress MP.
Even though election related activities are yet to take off on a strong note, all the political parties have started studying their prospective candidates and camera meetings are being held.
The Congress has already decided to field its candidate in the by election and two intending individuals have already taken the party's form, said sources adding that the two are Angom Manihar and Dr S Budhichandra.
The Congress has set the last date for submission of election form on September 10.Dr Budhichandra contested the election in 2000 as a Congress candidate while Angom Manihar has been elected as a councillor to the Nambol Municipal Council twice.
On the other hand, the CPI, the major partner of the Congress in the SPF Government, is yet to take a final decision on whether to field its candidate in the by election or not.
Sources said that the CPI may not nominate a candidate in the election.
Though the Opposition parties have not taken any final decision, talks are being held to field a common candidate, said sources.
The Opposition is keen to put up a consensus candidate keeping the present situation in the State in mind.
However it is learnt that some individuals have approached the State BJP to grant them the party's ticket.
The BJP though is yet to take a final decision on the matter.