Congress however was seen bagging fewer seats in most exit polls projection than the last election’s tally. The party had pocketed 28 seats in 2017, three short of the magic number.
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'.
He was the bridge connecting the era of legendary actors like Bachchan and Khanna in the 70s, Govinda and Salman Khan in the 90s, and even later, in films like Malamaal Weekly and Dhamaal.
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India president Charanjot Singh Nanda, a stakeholder in govt's plans to promote home-grown consulting firms, speaks on what is holding back domestic firms.
After initially showing interest in supplying the long-range missile to Ukraine, Trump appeared hesitant following his meeting with Zelenskyy, a day after his phone call with Putin.
Education, reservations, govt jobs are meant to bring equality and dignity. That we are a long way from that is evident in the shoe thrown at the CJI and the suicide of Haryana IPS officer. The film Homebound has a lesson too.
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