- NET Web Desk
Ahead of the 2022 assembly polls in Manipur, massive protests erupted on Sunday by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers & supporters over ticket distribution.
According to reports, outraged protestors ransacked party offices, pulled down party flags and banners and set them ablaze. They have also torched the effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi & Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and chanted slogans. However, no untoward incidents were reported at major offices of the party in Imphal.
On Sunday, named its candidates for all the 60 assembly constituencies. Son-in-law of Manipur Chief Minister – N. Biren Singh, R.K. Imo also secured party tickets . However, 3 sitting legislators — Y Erabot Singh of Wangkei A/C, P Saratchandra of Moirang A/C and M Rameshwar Singh of Kakching A/C were dropped-off.
The party have also fielded the nephew of former Congress chief minister Okram Ibobi – Okram Henry Singh. His election was nullified by the Manipur High Court (HC) for withholding information in his election affidavit filed in 2017.
It has also chose M Prithviraj and Y Surchandra over P Saratchandra and M Rameshwar Singh for Moirang and Kakching assembly seats respectively.
Meanwhile, responding to such preferences, some protestors who failed to receive the party tickets resigned from BJP and joined other parties. While Erabot decided to opt for the National People’s Party (NPP) and another BJP ticket seeker Ratankumar joined Janata Dal (United) in Wangkhei constituency.
Its worthy to note that the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the schedule of upcoming Assembly polls in 5 states – Manipur, Goa, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Incorporating of 60-member state assembly, polls in the northeastern state of Manipur will be conducted in two phases – on February 27 and March 3.