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Second phase campaigning in full wing : Sonia on her toes |
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The second phase of polling will be held on February 14 in 29 constituencies in Imphal East and West and Bishenpur.
According to reports, the Congress chief is facing rough weather, with the controversy over candidates contesting the Assembly polls in Naga-dominated constituencies taking a turn for the worse. The withdrawal of Congress candidate S.T. Kohring Anal’s nomination from Naga-dominated Chandel constituency ostensibly because of threats from the NSCN (I-M), has severely dented the party’s image.
Adding to the crisis, the United Naga Council (UNC) on Feb. 10 reiterated its threat to “restrict” electioneering by all candidates other than those it has chosen to support. The UNC has asked “rival” candidates to withdraw from the race for the third phase of polls slated for February 23. There are fears that the tension spawned by the UNC diktat could escalate into full-fledged clashes, particularly in Tamenglong district.
The Congress, which had prided itself on fielding candidates for all 60 Assembly constituencies in the strife-torn state, has been embarrassed.
Sitting BJP legislator from Chandel, B.D. Behring, has also withdrawn his nomination.
The NSCN (I-M) has denied the charges. UNC president Paul Leo said he had no knowledge of withdrawal of nominations by BJP and Congress candidates. According to him, the Congress was facing a stiff challenge from the resurgent Manipur People’s Party, the oldest regional party in the state.
The UNC, spearheading the campaign for the integration of Naga-inhabited areas, has fielded 11 candidates in the four Naga-dominated districts of Manipur - Ukhrul, Chandel, Senapati and Tamenglong.
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