Election fever grips Manipur despite prevailing unrest

Dipak Kurmi *

As the state of Manipur grapples with an unprecedented crisis that has lasted for nearly a year, the political landscape is bracing itself for a crucial electoral battle. With over 200 lives lost, thousands of homes reduced to ashes, and a staggering 60,000 people displaced from their homes, the forthcoming elections to the Lok Sabha and the Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency are set to be a litmus test for the political parties vying for power amidst the chaos.

The BJP’s Gambit: Thounaojam Basanta Takes the Lead

After a series of failed negotiations with prominent figures like Chief Minister N Biren Singh, Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba, and State BJP President A Sharda Devi, the Saffron Brigade has finally settled on Education Minister Thounaojam Basanta as their candidate for the Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency. Basanta’s candidacy is a calculated move by the BJP, banking on their current stronghold of 17 MLAs from the Meitei community in the valley region.

Congress’s Unconventional Choice: Akoijam Bimol, the Outsider

In a bold departure from tradition, the Congress party has opted for a rank outsider, Akoijam Bimol, as their candidate for the Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency.

Bimol, a professor at the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi, has emerged as a vocal critic of the Indian state’s handling of the Manipur crisis, making his mark on television debates and social media. His famous byline, “the Indian state has totally failed in the state of Manipur,” resonates with many in the conflict-ridden state.

The Rise of the Underdogs: Thounaojam Maheswar and R.K. Samarendra

Thounaojam Maheswar, the Republican Party of India candidate, and R.K. Samarendra, the Manipuri movie star known as Kaiku, represent the underdogs in this high-stakes electoral battle. Both have gained prominence due to the ongoing crisis, with Maheswar making frequent trips to Delhi to meet with NDA leaders and engaging with internally displaced people and frontline fighters.

The Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency: A Delicate Balance

In the Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency, the Naga People’s Front (NPF) has dropped its sitting MP, Dr. Lorho, and instead fielded Timothy Zimik, a former Income Tax officer. The Congress party has chosen former MLA Alfred K. Arthur from the Tangkhul community, while Kho John, a former president of the All Naga Students’ Association in Manipur, is also in the fray.

Traditionally, the outcome of this seat is decided by the voters from the eight constituencies in the valley that form part of the outer parliamentary constituency, acting as a balancing factor.

The Kuki Community’s Strategic Move

In a significant development, the Kuki community has decided not to field a candidate in the forthcoming elections, likely supporting the NPF candidate as an overture to future machinations in their demand for a separate Kuki Land. The BJP, too, has chosen not to field a candidate for the outer seat, opting to support the NPF candidate instead.

A Turbulent Landscape: Challenges and Uncertainties

As the electioneering process gains momentum, the presence of over 10,000 firearms floating around in the region raises concerns about potential violence and disruptions. With the state mired in turmoil for nearly a year, with a dysfunctional administration unable to cope with the crisis, the upcoming elections are anything but ordinary.

The intellectuals and educated voters are expected to gravitate towards Bimol’s candidacy, drawn by his intellectual credentials and criticism of the state’s handling of the crisis. However, his lack of grassroots connect with the masses, apart from traditional Congress voters, may pose a challenge. On the other hand, Maheswar’s advantage lies in his direct engagement with ordinary people on the streets and in relief centers.

The BJP’s gambit rests on its current hold on power, leveraging its network of 17 MLAs from the Meitei community and the potential influence of being the ruling party. However, the party’s credibility has been called into question by the unabated crisis and its failure to restore peace and normalcy in the state.

As the campaign trail heats up, the state of Manipur finds itself at a crossroads, with the outcome of these elections holding profound implications for the resolution of the ongoing crisis and the future political landscape of the state. The voters’ choices will not Only determine the immediate fate of the contenders but also shape the trajectory of Manipur’s path towards peace and stability.