By-poll campaign gathers steam
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 19 2014 : With the by-election to Hiyanglam Assembly Constituency rescheduled on October 17, many political parties have stepped up their election campaigns apart from making hectic consultations to finalize their respective candidates.

For the ruling Congress party, Elangbam Dwijamani who contested the last Assembly election unsuccessfully was the only person who submitted his application form for candidature till today which was the last date for submission of application forms.

MPP has already announced Mayengbam Amutombi as their candidate for the by-election.

The party has been campaigning for Amutombi since sometime back.

Amutombi too fought the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly election in the same constituency on MPP ticket but was defeated.

As for BJP which is in power at the Centre, three individuals are vying for the party ticket.

Ashokumar Laiphrakpam is one among the prospective candidates who contested the last Assembly election in the same Assembly segment.

CEO O Nabakishore - Press Conference in Connection with Bye-Election to Hiyanglam Assembly Constituency at CEOs Office Chamber at New Secreteriat Photo - DIPR

Late ex-MLA Maibam Kunjo's son Maibam Dhanabir is also vying for the BJP ticket even though his father contested and won the last Assembly election on AITC ticket.

The third contestant is Dr Yumnam Radheshyam and he contested the last Assembly election in Hiyanglam A/C on CPI ticket.

Of the three individuals vying for BJP ticket, two are simultaneously lobbying for MPTCC ticket.

Meanwhile, CPI has made it clear that they would not field any candidate in the by-election.

Political pundits are speculating a close fight between BJP and Congress candidates.

The by-election was necessitated following the expiry of sitting MLA Maibam Kunjo and he won the election overcoming a stiff challenge posed by INC candidate E Dwijamani.

Informing that MPP has launched campaign for the by-election, party president N Sovakiran said that many key leaders of the party would join the election campaign on behalf of Amutombi.

With the Congress Government unable to repeal AFSPA and resolve the border row with Myanmar while the BJP Government's 100 days programme is yet to take any shape in the State, people of Manipur are fed up with National parties, he alleged.