Imphal: The Manipur Congress on Saturday released a list of 40 candidates selected by the party’s central election committee to contest in the two-phased state assembly elections scheduled on February 27 and March 3.
According to the list, former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, who held the seat for three consecutive terms till 2017, will be in fray from Thoubal constituency.
His former Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam and MPCC president Nameirakpam Loken Singh will contest from Nungba and Nambol respectively.
A six-time MLA from Nambol, Loken Singh was appointed as the president of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) in September last year. He was the interim president of the Manipur State unit of the party following the resignation of Govindas Konthoujam.
The list also includes two women – Akoijam Mirabai Devi, MLA from Patsoi assembly constituency and Thokchom Ithoibi Devi from Oinam.
Among the senior most is the veteran politician of Manipur Okram Joy Singh from Langthabal.Among the list, eleven are from the ST and 29 are from the General category.
The Election Commission of India on Saturday extended the ban on physical election rallies till January 31. In view of the rapidly spreading Covid-19 cases, the poll regulating body had earlier announced a complete moratorium on physical roadshows and rallies till January 15, which was later extended till January 22. With the ban in place, political parties had been urged to hold virtual and digital campaigning on various social media platforms.
The ruling BJP is yet to announce the list.
