Amid defections from BJP and Congress, and keeping in mind the complex political landscape of the state, experts believe smaller parties like the JD(U) and NPP have much to gain.
National People’s Party is part of CM Biren Singh’s BJP-led govt in Manipur. But it has fielded candidates on 38 seats out of 60 this time, a drastic increase from 9 in 2017.
The political landscape in Manipur is marked by Meitei-tribal rivalry, insurgency, AFSPA, the development agenda and influx of money. Added to this is a culture of defections.
Of the past 6 decades, Congress has been in power in Manipur for over 4, more than any other party's tenure in govt here. But its foothold in the state has weakened since 2017.
In interview with ThePrint, Congress leader Okram Ibobi Singh says BJP has no 'foothold' in the hill areas, adding that people of the state 'are fed up of the BJP's five-year rule'.
The party released its list of candidates Sunday for all 60 seats. BJP leaders protest openly, several resign. Effigies of PM Modi, CM burnt, some party offices ransacked.
The collusion between the new class of bureaucrats, politicians, businessmen and trade union bosses perpetuates itself partly because of the short-run benefits and partly because they see no way out of the system, wrote author MH Mody in 1980.
IAF is firming up plans to revamp airlift capabilities with medium transport aircraft that will be assembled in India & serve as its main workhorse. Embraer is leading contender as of now.
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