With the first round of polls for the 11th Manipur State Assembly election got over on March 4, all eyes and ears are now turned towards Thoubal district in the State where fate of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi and his Congress party will be sealed on March 8. Although it will be smooth sailing for him, but political observers expect — being his home constituency and district — the fate of his 15-year-long career as Chief Minister of this troubled torn State will be decided.
Though he can be credited himself for many major developments and lowering unemployment rates in his home district and moreover lack of credible opponents from other political parties, including the BJP, the wave of anti-incumbency factor across State, high corruption charges against him and party, UNC’s economic blockade, AFSPA, fake-encounters and his unimpressive enunciation that the only Congress party could “save” the State could be some of the factors for his downfall in this highly charged election.
In a State where “incredibility” is synonymous with its natural beauty, the second phase of Manipur will see civil rights activist Irom Sharmila Chanu, aka Iron lady of Manipur or “Mengoubi” fighting against the mighty Ibobi in his own home turf. O Ibobi, 69, became the Chief Minister two years after Sharmila began her “hunger strike” in November 2, 2000. Chanu will be fighting from her newly formed Peoples’ Resurgence and Justice Alliance (PRJA). Though she can’t have much effect on Ibobi’s vote bank, this will be a morale booster for those who love and believe in her struggle against injustice and AFSPA. While Ibobi will fighting from Thoubal constituency, his son Suraj Kumar will be contesting from Khangabok constituency, which was earlier held by his mother, O landhoni Devi, wife of Ibobi.
The second phase will see some of the biggest figures in the State from the Congress party, including Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam from Nungba constituency, Cabinet Minister Moirangthem Okendro from Heirok, Cabinet Minister D Korungthang from Tengnoupal, Cabinet Minister Muhammed Abdul Nasir from lilong and, MlA Md Fajur Rahim from Wabgai and veteran Congress leader and former Minister Thoudam Debendra Singh from Jiribam.
The BJP will have few leaders, including Moirangthem Hemanta, former Minister, former IPS officer Thokchom Radheshyam from Heirok, Thokchom Jadumani from Khangabok, Md Anwar Hussain from lilongand Dr Ushem Deben Singh. For first time ever a Muslim (Meitei Pangal) woman candidate, Najima Bibi, a foot-soldier of PRJA, will be contesting in the second polls from Wabgai constituency. Though many have appreciated her “bold move”, a ‘fatwa’ was imposed upon her by local Muslim leaders for being ‘anti-Muslim’ activities.
While the Congress and the BJP were major contenders, the Nagaland-based regional political party, Naga People’s Front (NPF), will play a crucial role in the hill areas of Manipur. Anil Khuraijam, a journalist and political observer of the State, told The Pioneer that NPF will be the biggest force in many Naga dominated hill districts of Manipur, including Ukhrul, Senapati, Tamenglong and Chandel this time as many people have already edged out the Congress party for its ‘anti-Naga policies’.
Moreover, the BJP too could make inroad in this hilly areas specially Ukhrul district, the birth place of Th. Muivah, leader of Naga insurgency group — NSCN (M), where a large number of people turned out in a recently held BJP election rally. Khuraijam further informed that the BJP and non-Congress parties will be biggest gainer in hill districts.
Altogether 22 seats, including 11 seats for ST and 11 for General will be going for polls on the second phase.
Ninety-eight candidates, including four women, are in the fray for the remaining 22 seats.