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 Congress has promised Rs 50,000 assistance to each woman but as we've seen in many recent elections, voters seem to be conscious of the proverb: 'A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.'
Fears that an escalation of the conflict could heighten a fuel squeeze & endanger the economy unnerved traders, with NYT reporting Iran stopped negotiating a truce with the US.
French newspaper La Tribune earlier last week indicated that UAE withdrew from deal to fund EUR 3.5 billion. India is looking to order 114 new Rafales, which could include the F5.
China patiently invested capital, skill and technology in coal gasification. Unlike it, we won’t move from words to action. As crude prices decline, we lose interest.
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