Konthoujam by-poll Stage clear for triangular fight
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 31, 2011: Finally, the stage has been cleared for a triangular fight in the by-election to 18-Konthoujam Assembly Constituency slated on February 14. None of the three candidates who have filed their nominations did not withdraw their nominations till the last moment of withdrawing the nomination papers today.

Among the three candidates, Konthoujam Sarat is to contest in the by-election as the candidate of Trinamool Congress while K Ranjit as an Independent candidate with his election symbol as Candle.

The Trinamool Congress candidate K Sarat is being backed and supported by BJP and MPP.

With the deadline for withdrawing the nomination papers over, political parties have stepped up their respective election campaign.

Two sections of Central Para-Military forces are to be deployed in all the 28 polling stations of the Constituency.

For the protection of the EVMs to be used in the by-election, Chief Electoral Officer, Manipur has written to the Election Commission for providing 60 sections of Central Para-Military forces.

After the election on February 14, counting of the votes would be carried out on February 17. The total number of voters in 18-Konthoujam Assembly Constituency is 24,601.This includes 12,476 female voters and 12,125 male voters.

The by-election to Konthoujam Assembly Constituency has been necessitated following the demise of its sitting MLA Dr Sapam Budhichandra.

Meanwhile, BJP State unit president Sh Shantikumar as categorically stated that there is no question of Congress party winning the by-election if the people of Kongthoujam Assembly Constituency cast their votes with clear understanding of the present situation in Manipur.

Addressing a joint press conference in connection with the ensuing by-poll at the office of Manipur Pradesh Trinamool Congress here today, Shantikumar said that people of Manipur and more particularly that of Konthoujam Assembly Constituency should think about the ceaseless violence and killings, rising corruption and various scandals that have impeded the pace of development in the State.

Taking into consideration of all these factors, if the people of Kongthoujam cast their votes in the interest of the people, there is no chance for the success of Congress in the by-poll, Shantikumar said, adding that BJP has supported the candidate of Trinamool Congress in the by-poll with the sole objective of defeating Congress.

MPP vice president and in-charge of the party Y Mangi, who was also present during the press conference, maintained that there would be no respite from the suffering of the people in Konthoujam Assembly Constituency if a representative of 'Die-in-Harness' is to be elected in the by-election.

To bring about developmental change in Konthouma and usher in good governance in Manipur, voters should exercise their franchise judiciously.

Manipur Pradesh Trinamool Congress president and ex-MP Kim Gangte observed that the support of BJP and MPP has heightened the prospect of winning the by-election by Trinamool Congress candidate all the more and the people of Konthoujam, who are to decide the fate of the by-poll would surely extend their support as well.

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