Manipur elections are scheduled in two phases. While the first phase of polling takes place on Monday, February 28, the second phase takes place on March 5.
New Delhi/Imphal: Manipur Governor La Ganesan was the first to cast a vote as the polling booths opened for the first phase of the Manipur Polls 2022 on Monday (February 28).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Manipur voters to turn out in record numbers. "I particularly call upon the young and first time voters to exercise their franchise in the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly. Urging all those voting today in the first phase of the Manipur Assembly elections to turnout in record numbers and cast their vote," Modi tweeted.
In a major political development in Manipur, the BJP got a major boost when well known Kuki organisations have openly announced support to all the saffron party candidates in the ensuing elections.
In a release, Kuki National Organisation (KNO) chief P.S. Haokip stated that the ongoing dialogue between KNO and the Government of India and ruling BJP leadership has promised swift settlement of Kuki political aspirations. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the same in a public address on February 23 at the Churachandpur public ground, said Haokip.
There are six segments with a clear Kuki majority. Tipaimukh, Thanlon, Henglep, Saikot and Singhat besides Churachandpur. In 2017, Thanlon and Henglep had chosen BJP nominees.
Singhat had voted for Congress in 2017 but turned to the BJP in the 2020 by-election. Kuki voters can also influence the outcome in four to five more seats. The BJP has set a target of 40 seats in the 60-member assembly.
