173 candidates to fight for 38 seats in 1st phase
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 11 2022: Altogether 173 candidates will contest election in 38 Assembly segments of the State in the first phase of the election which has been rescheduled to February 28 by the Election Commission.

Notably, 175 candidates were approved in the scrutiny on February 9, but the number has been reduced to 173 as two Independent candidates- Pukhrambam Somorjit (Langthabal AC) and Thangminlien Kipgen (Kangpokpi AC) have withdrawn their candidature, today.

Following the withdrawal, four candidates will now contest for the Lang-thabal seat while three candidates are in the fray in Kangpokpi AC.

Speaking to media persons at Hotel Imphal, P Somorjit said that he withdrew his candidature so as to strengthen BJP and make sure the party forms the next Government.

173 candidates to fight for 38 seats in 1st phase

Saying that he joined BJP about 20 years back and as such applied for the party ticket, Somorjit continued that he filed his nomination as an Independent candidate as per the suggestion of his supporters.

Maintaining that some of his supporters respect his decision while some don't, he appealed to all to not take his decision wrongly.

Works Minister and BJP spokesperson Th Biswajit said that he is delighted to see the big heartedness of Somorjit and his commitment to strengthen the party.

"Losing even one member is a big loss to the BJP," he said and continued that the Central party leaders acknowledge the sacrifice of Somorjit and it will not go in vain.

"BJP will always support Somorjit in his endeavour," he added.

With Somorjit's withdrawal, Langthabal AC now has only four candidates namely Okram Joy Singh (INC), Karam Shyam (BJP), Karam Nabakishor Singh (NPP) and Hijam Somarendro Singh (Independent) .

Altogether 55 candidates will contest election in Imphal West district on February 28 .

Notably, the ruling BJP and the Congress are fielding candidates in all 13 ACs of the district while NPP and JD-U have named 11 and 9 candidates respectively.

Other parties which will contest in the district are NCP (2 ACs), Shiv Sena (1) and the RPI-A (1) .

Independent candidate in Keishamthong AC Nishi-kant Singh Sapam has be allotted battery torch as his symbol.

Two Independent candidates Khwairakpam Roben Singh and Maharabam Anita Devi from 16-Sekmai (SC) AC have been provided Diamond and Helicopter as their symbols.

Independent candidate in Lamsang AC Arambam Karamjit has been allotted Auto Rickshaw.

The lone Independent candidate from 20-Langthabal AC Hijam Somarendro Singh has been allotted Pineapple.

Subsequent upon the withdrawal of of Thangmin-lien Kipgen, three candi- dates - Nemcha Kipgen (BJP), Ngamkhohen Kipgen (INC) and Soshim Gurung (JD-U) are in the fray in 50-Kangpokpi AC which will go to poll in the first phase.

Haokholet Kipgen (Independent), Lamtinthang Haokip (INC), Ngamthang Haokip (BJP), L Johny Gangmei (JD-U), K Lhouvum (NPP) and Th Sanglou Maram (Independent) will contest in 51- Saitu AC while Kenn Raikhan (Independent), Chungkho-kai Doungel (Independent), Ch Ajang Khongsai (JD-U), Yamthong Haokip (BJP), Jamchinlen Lunkim (RPI), Kimneo Haokip Hangshing (KPA), Seikholal Haokip (NPP) and Lhingkim Haokip (INC) in 46-Saikul (ST) AC .

Altogether 17 candidates will contest election in Kangpokpi district, eight candidates in 46-Saikul (ST) AC, three in 50-Kangpokpi AC and six in 51-Saitu (ST) AC .

Electors of Kangpokpi district will exercise their franchise in 166 polling stations in three Constituencies.