The BJP is all set to return to power in Manipur for a second consecutive term, hitting the majority mark as results of the Assembly elections came in on Thursday. The Congress, on the other hand, has been decimated in its once-bastion — from being the single-largest party with 27 seats in 2017, the party managed to win a mere four seats.
The Naga People’s Front (NPF) has won 5 seats. NPF candidates who won include Khashim Vashum from Chingai, Losii Dikho from Mao, Leishiyo Keishing from Phungyar, Awangbow Newmai from Tamei, Ram Muivah from Ukhrul.
The BJP’s victory, won on the planks of ‘peace and development’, signals that it has been able to successfully hold its own in the often fickle electoral landscape of Manipur. While in 2017, the BJP, which won 21 seats, went all out to cobble up a last-minute alliance, with the help of smaller parties such as the National People’s Party (NPP), Naga People’s Front (NPF) and a few Independents, this time, the party will not require any help.
The BJP has been able to drive home the relative peace of the last five years in conflict-ridden Manipur, a stark contrast to the 15-year tumultuous Congress regime under the Okram Ibobi Singh government, which was marked by bandhs, blockades, and a sharp rise in extra judicial killings. Besides, it is likely that Manipur, like other small states of the Northeast region, gravitated to the party which is in power at the Centre.
Incumbent Chief Minister Biren Singh won Heingang, the seat that he has been holding since 2002, by a big margin of 18,271 votes. Speaking to reporters after his victory was declared, Singh said, “There may have been shortcomings in the past few years but we assure you that this time we will double our efforts to close the gaps… such as disparity in development in rural areas and hill districts. We will also press the Central government to remove AFSPA from Manipur and also focus on creating employment opportunities,” the 61-year-old said.
CM Singh hinted that the BJP will have no truck with ally-turned-rival National People’s Party (NPP). “The BJP government will go hand-in-hand with like-minded parties, but I don’t think we will go with the NPP.”
Among the most surprising developments was the performance of the homegrown Kuki People Alliance (KPA), which opened its account in Manipur. Recognised as a political party just two months ago and formed to represent the interests of the Kuki tribe in Manipur, the party won both the seats it contested: Singhat in Churachandpur district and Saikul in Kangpokpi district.
- Agencies