January 11 local bodies polls : 1974 candidates in fray
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 17 2015: Altogether 1974 candidates including 730 candidates for Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats and 1244 candidates for Ward Development Committee (WDC) Members are contesting in the local bodies election slated for January 11 .

These candidates would be fighting for 199 seats of 18 Municipal Council Councillors, 80 seats of eight Nagar Panchayat Councillors and 558 WDC Member seats.

Incidentally today was the last date for withdrawal of nomination papers and it was officially confirmed that 730 candidates would be vying for 279 Councillor seats although total number of candidates was being tallied at the time of filing this report.

Against 558 seats of WDC Members, 1244 candidates are in the fray, according to information received from the State Election Commission.

The exact number of candidates would be known by tomorrow.

So far, nomination papers filed by 200 INC candidates, 183 BJP candidates, 16 CPI candidates, 322 independent candidates and nine LJP candidates have been approved.

From amongst the 1244 candidates, around 2,36,302 voters spread across 587 polling stations are expected to elect 558 WDC Members.

It is being speculated that the election being held at the grassroots level would see keen contest between the Congress and BJP.

'While Congress pasty is has been campaigning on the plank of development, BJP has been riding on the wave its resounding success in the recent by-election to two Assembly segments.

Moreover, BJP has been using its catchy slogan, "Support BJP.

Save Manipur" in the local body election too.

Meanwhile, a joint meeting of the National and State level political parties was held today in Thoubal DC office with DC T Ranjit in the chair in connection with the local body election slated for January 11 .

The meeting focused on holding the local body election peacefully in free and fair manner throughout Thoubal district.

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