Imphal: Setting the stage for a major battle with the ruling BJP which considers itself invincible for the last 10 years, the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee unveiled its much-anticipated candidates for the two Parliamentary seats on Friday.
Dr Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, an Associate Professor in JNU and Alfred Kan-Ngam Arthur, a former Legislator in the Manipur Legislative Assembly from 44 Ukhrul Assembly Constituency will now represent the grand-old-party and the INDIA bloc alliance for the upcoming Parliamentary election in the Inner and Outer Lok Sabha election respectively, Keisham Meghachandra, announced here, while brushing off concerns that L Sotinkumar from CPI, who announced his candidature for the Inner constituency, might disturb their common candidate. Meghachandra also informed that Sotinkumar has now withdrawn his candidature.
Speaking to media persons along with other senior party leaders including CLP leader Okram Ibobi Singh, former Deputy CM, Ngaikhangam and other bloc leaders, Meghachandra said the name of Dr Bimol was considered after rounds of discussions among like-minded parties.
Ibobi, the three-time Chief Minister, said that the nominated candidates have the ability to take on the ruling saffron party and will work for the state and country.
Explaining the reason for the delay in announcing the names of the candidates, the veteran Congress leader said the party high command had already directed the state leaders to declare the names, but they had to discuss threadbare with all the alliance partners as to who would be the best and most acceptable candidate and who can bring about a new chapter in this violence-hit state.
On the other hand, the ruling BJP hasn’t yet announced its candidates for both the parliamentary constituencies. Some insiders in the party informed The North East Affairs that Dr R K Ranjan, the current sitting Member of Parliament (MP), who is also MoS for External Affairs and Education will probably be getting the ticket for the Inner.
Earlier, the Naga People’s Front (NPF), a Nagaland-based political party, has already announced its candidate, K Timothy Zimik, a retired IRS officer, for the Outer constituency. Interestingly, Dr Lorho S Pfoze, the current sitting Member of Parliament representing the Outer Parliamentary constituency is also from the NPA
