Campaigning for 2nd phase LS polls ends today
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 23 2024: Campaign activities for the second phase polling in Outer Manipur parliamentary constituency for the 18th Lok Sabha scheduled for April 26, will conclude at 4 pm on Wednesday.

All necessary arrangements for the second phase polling, which will take place in 13 assembly segments across the state, have been made by the district election officers con cerned.

These assembly segments include Jiribam, Tengnoupal, Phungyar, Ukhrul, Chingai, Karong, Mao, Tadubi, Tamenglong, Nungba, Tipaimukh, and Thanlon.

The first phase of polling covered a total of 15 assembly segments.

The candidates vying for the Outer Manipur seat are Alfred K Arthur of the Indian National Congress (INC), Kachui Timothy Zimik of the Naga People's Front (NPF) and independent candidates S Kho John and Alyson Abonmai.

Polling and security personnel for the Tamenglong assembly segment, who would be deployment in remote locations in the district have departed for their respective destinations.

Meanwhile, urging all concerned to ensure that the second phase of elections in Outer Manipur parliamentary constituency for the 18th Lok Sabha scheduled on April 26 is conducted fairly, where citizens can freely exercise their adult franchise, the INDIA Bloc has maintained that blemish-free conduct of the polls will be crucial to redeem the tarnished reputation of Manipur.

Addressing media persons at Congress Bhawan, here, on Tuesday, convenor Ksh Shanta said that INDIA Bloc had appealed to the Election Commission of India (ECI) for re-polling in 47 polling stations as there were strong allegations of rigging, booth capturing and violence during the first phase of polling for the Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency.

However, the ECI approved repoll in only 11 polling stations, which took place on Monday.

During the re-poll, voters peacefully exercised their right to vote.

Had the same peaceful situation been experienced in the first phase election on April 19, then democracy would have been more meaningful, he added.

Maintaining that INDIA Bloc had fought the election in a free and fair manner unlike the ruling party which used money and muscle power, Shanta expressed confidence that their candidates will succeed with thumping majority.

He also appealed to the officials of the CEO to ensure that second phase of polling for the Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency on April 26 is conducted fairly with adequate security arrangement to ensure the same.

Such an approach is crucial to prevent further damage to the reputation of Manipur, he maintained.

Chipping in, CPI former state secretary L Sotinkumar said that it is time for the people to uphold true democracy in the state.

In the recently conducted first phase polling, the ruling party had used money and muscle power to grab victory which is very unfortunate.

The BJP government has deteriorated law and order and democracy in the state.

As such, people of Manipur need to vote for their candidate and bring about positive change in the state, he urged.

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