1,247 polling stations were operational for the polls. (Representational)
Manipur recorded an average voter turnout of 78.49 per cent till 9.30 pm in the second and final phase of the Assembly elections in the state, as per the Election Commission of India. Polling across 22 constituencies started at 7 am and concluded at 4 pm on Saturday.
As voting began for the second and last phase of the Manipur Assembly election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon the voters in the state to vote in large numbers. "Today is the second phase of the Manipur Assembly elections. Calling upon all those whose constituencies are polling today to vote in large numbers and mark the festival of democracy," PM Modi tweeted.
92 candidates are in fray The second and last phase of the Manipur Assembly election has begun today at 7 am. This phase will pick between 92 candidates in 22 constituencies across six districts.
The areas in focus this time include the Thoubal district and the Naga-dominated hills where the ruling BJP faces a stiff challenge.
A total of 8.38 lakh voters are eligible to cast their vote in this phase in the districts of Thoubal, Chandel, Ukhrul, Senpati, Tamenglong and Jiribam.
Here are the Highlights on Phase 2 of the 2022 Manipur Election:
BJP-Led Alliance To Get 80 Per Cent Seats In Assembly Polls: Yogi Adityanath
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday claimed that the BJP and its allies are all set to get 80 per cent seats in the Assembly elections as people have voted for the party on issues of nationalism, development, good governance and security.
"Casteism has been demolished. Those who indulged in dynasty politics have failed. People have given their support to the BJP on the issue of nationalism, development, good governance and security in the six phases of polling held so far and this trend is continuing in the seventh and last phase scheduled for Monday," Yogi Adityanath told reporters.
"I can say with full confidence that when polling is over and results are declared on March 10, 80 per cent seats will be won by the BJP with its allies and it will form its government with a massive majority," he said.
Chances Of Re-Poll At Polling Stations Where EVM Data Couldn't Be Retrieved Following Violence: Manipur Chief Electoral Officer
As voting ended in the second and final phase of the Manipur Assembly elections on Saturday, Chief Electoral Officer of the state Rajesh Agrawal said that the polling stations at which the EVMs' data could not be retrieved following poll-violence incidents have chances to undergo a re-poll.
Mr Agrawal said, "In the hills also, out of 11 Assembly constituencies, poll-related incidents of EVM smashing were restricted to 5 Assembly constituencies. Whereas all together of 12 EVMs were disrupted, some of which we could restore and restart the polling, in some cases, the EVMs were destroyed beyond the retrieval of data. So maybe, we will examine the records and see what decision has to be taken for those polling stations."
"Where the EVM data cannot be retrieved, definitely we will have to order some repoll. So there are chances of some repolls at least," the CEO added.
BJP Will Retain Power In Manipur: Amit Shah
Bharatiya Janata Party on Saturday exuded confidence that the party will retain power in Manipur and added that governments both at the Centre and the State have worked together in harmony to end the differences between hills and valleys.
BJP National President Jagat Prakash Nadda and Home Minister Amit Shah addressed a joint press conference at the party headquarters in New Delhi on Saturday.
Mr Shah said, "BJP will form a government in Manipur again. The state has transformed from blockades, bandhs, violence, drugs to organic farming, medical institutions and more. PM Modi and our CM of Manipur have worked hard to end the differences between hills and valleys."
Assembly elections are being held in Manipur from February 28 to March 5, 2022, in two phases, to elect 60 members of the Manipur Legislative Assembly.
Congress leaders from Goa meet Rahul Gandhi as counting day nears
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday met party leaders from Goa ahead of counting of votes for the Assembly elections on March 10 and reviewed the political situation in the coastal state.
Congress' Goa desk in-charge Dinesh Gundu Rao, state unit chief Girish Chodankar and Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Digambar Kamat met Gandhi in Delhi.
Congress General Secretary K C Venugopal and the party's Goa election in-charge P Chidambaram were also present for the meeting.
After the meeting, Rao tweeted "Sri @RahulGandhi reviewed the political situation in Goa and discussed strategies for post election scenario with us." Congress contested the recently-held Goa Assembly election in alliance with the Goa Forward Party.
The Grand Old Party is wary of a repeat of the 2017 situation when it emerged as the single largest party but was trumped by the BJP which cobbled together a coalition quicker.
2022 Assembly Elections: BJP Set To Come Back With A Firm Majority In UP, Uttarakhand, Goa, Manipur, Says JP Nadda
BJP National President JP Nadda and Home Minister Amit Shah addressed a press conference at the party headquarters in New Delhi on Saturday.
"The first phase of elections in five states started during COVID-19 third wave. From January 8 to February 22, we had to campaign while adhering to several COVID-19 protocols. We want to thank the people across five states for following all COVID protocols," Mr Nadda said.
The BJP chief highlighted that the main focus area of the party was majorly on empowerment of women, youth, poor and needy, and the farmers among other sectors.
"The BJP is set to come back with a firm majority in the states where we currently have a government - Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur. Our focus area was majorly on empowerment of women, youth, poor and needy and farmers among other sectors," said Mr Nadda.
Nationalism Should Be Priority In Politics, Not 'Pariwarwad': BJP Leader Aparna Yadav
Ahead of the seventh and the last phase of Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, BJP leader Aparna Yadav on Saturday said that nationalism should be the priority in politics and not 'pariwarwad'.
"Nationalism should be the priority, Pariwadwad should not be in politics. Right now, every youth is with the nation and women also plays an important part in shaping the view of the society," Aparna Yadav told ANI on being asked that in this Assembly election, on the one hand, it is her family and on the other, it's her party.
Aparna Yadav who recently joined BJP is Samajwadi Party patron and Mulayam Singh Yadav's daughter-in-law.
She has expressed that in the ongoing Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, it is not a BJP wave but a tsunami and BJP is forming the government with a thumping majority.
UP Polls 2022: BJP Leader Rita Bahuguna Joshi's Son Joins Samajwadi Party
Ahead of the last phase of the Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Mayank Joshi, son of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Rita Bahuguna Joshi on Saturday joined the Samajwadi Party.
"Mayank Joshi, son of Bharatiya Janata Party MP Rita Bahuguna Joshi today joined Samajwadi Party," said SP chief Akhilesh Yadav while addressing a rally in Azamgarh.
Earlier in January Rita Bahuguna Joshi sought a ticket from BJP for her son to contest the UP Assembly Elections 2022 from the Lucknow Cantonment seat.
Rita Bahuguna Joshi had also said she would give up her Lok Sabha membership if her son does not get a ticket from Lucknow Cantt seat. But after her son was denied a ticket she said she "respects the decision of the party."
Congress Misled Farmers In The Name Of Loan Waiver; PM Modi Gave Them Rs 6,000 Every Year: JP Nadda
BJP national president JP Nadda on Saturday accused the Congress of misleading farmers in the name of loan waiver, and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given Rs 6,000 to farmers every year under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme.
"Today many people call themselves farmer leaders, but they did nothing for the community. The Congress has misled the farmers in the name of loan waiver. (On the other hand) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given Rs 6,000 every year to farmers under PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi," he said at an election meeting.
"When the prime minister started the Jan Dhan Yojana, the opposition made fun of it. (SP chief) Akhilesh ji, who was born with a silver spoon, and Rahul (Gandhi) ji asked what will happen with bank accounts for the poor? Today, the money given under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, Prime Minister Awas Yojana and other schemes goes directly into the bank accounts of the poor, and there are no middlemen," he said.
PM Modi interacts with intellectuals in Varanasi, seeks another term for BJP government
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday interacted with intellectuals and other prominent personalities and said if the BJP returns to power in Uttar Pradesh, the state will be at the forefront of economic development.
PM Modi, who represents Varanasi in the Lok Sabha, also stressed the need for a stable government in the state which can take bold decisions, according to the participants.
Nearly 200 participants interacted with the prime minister at the 'Prabudh Varg Sammelan' held at Raman Niwas.
Padma Bhushan awardee and Hindustani classical singer Channulal Mishra and BHU vice chancellor Sudhir Jain were among the attendees. Famous paan seller Ashwani Chaurasia, known as 'Keshav paan wala', and tea seller Pappu, at whose kiosk Modi enjoyed a cuppa on Friday, were also present.
Manipur Polls: Congress Won 5 Out Of 6 Seats In Thoubal In 2017
Among the key regions in Manipur polling today is Thoubal district which is a Congress stronghold. In 2017, the Congress won five of the six seats in Thoubal. There is intense political battle for the Heirok seat. There have been lot of political skirmishes in the area ahead of the polls and large turnout today.
Manipur has a total of 60 Assembly constituencies. Polling for 38 Assembly constituencies was held on February 28, with the Election Commission of India (ECI) stating that 78.30 per cent electorate cast their votes.
There are 1,247 polling stations in this phase and a total of about 8.38 lakh voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in this phase.
Manipur Polls: Voters Who Are Covid Positive Or Under Quarantine To Vote In Last Hour
Voting began at 7 am and will continue till 4 pm. The voters who are COVID positive or are under quarantine will be allowed to vote in the last hour, between 3 pm to 4 pm, of the polling. The results of the Manipur Assembly elections will be declared on March 10.
Campaigning came to an end on March 3 for the second phase of the state Assembly elections.
Manipur Assembly Elections: 1 killed In Poll Violence In Karong Constituency
A person was killed after security forces opened fire when violence broke out during voting in Manipur's Karong constituency today. The turnout was 28.20 per cent till 11 am, 16.80 per cent less than in 2017.
Manipur Polls: List of assembly constituencies voting today
Polling is underway in 22 constituencies spread across six districts and will decide the electoral fate of 92 candidates, including two women who are in the fray.
The 22 Assembly constituencies going for the polls today are Lilong, Thoubal, Wangkhem, Heirok, Wangjing Tentha, Khangabo, Wabgai, Kakching, Hiyanglam, Sugnoo, Jiribam, Chandel (ST), Tengnoupal (ST), Phungyar (ST), Ukhrul (ST), Chingai (ST), Karong (ST), Mao (ST), Tadubi (ST), Tamei (ST), Tamenglong (ST), and Nungba (ST).
28.2% voter turnout till 11 am
28.2% of the eligible voters have voted till 11 am, in the second phase of the elections in Manipur. 92 candidates are in fray in the elections.
Manipur Polls: Former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh Casts Vote In Thoubal
The voting is underway at 22 Constituencies spread across six districts of Manipur. Congress leader and former Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh voted at a polling booth in Thoubal. He is contesting from Thoubal Assembly Constituency. Speaking to ANI, he said, "I am confident that we are winning 9 out of 10 seats in Thoubal this time and we are going to win Manipur with an absolute majority."
Manipur Polls: Vote in large numbers to mark festival of democracy, says PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called upon the voters in Manipur to vote in large numbers for the second and final phase of the state Assembly elections, exhorting them to "mark the festival of democracy".
"Today is the second phase of the Manipur Assembly elections. Calling upon all those whose constituencies are polling today to vote in large numbers and mark the festival of democracy," PM Modi tweeted.
Manipur Assembly Election - What Happened In The Last State Election
In the 2017 Manipur Assembly elections, Congress emerged as the single largest party winning 28 seats followed by the BJP which settled with 21 seats. The National People's Party (NPP) and Naga People's Front (NPF) bagged four seats each while the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) managed to secure only one constituency. BJP got 36.28 per cent vote share while Congress received 35.11 per cent of the total votes. Later, BJP stitched a coalition with the NPP, NPF and LJP to form the government under the leadership of N Biren Singh.
Manipur Election 2022: The Contest
BJP has decided to go solo and is contesting all 60 seats in Manipur alone. On the other hand, Congress has formed an alliance of six political parties and named it Manipur Progressive Secular Alliance (MPSA). The coalition partners in MPSA include Congress, Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist), Forward Bloc, Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP), and Janata Dal (Secular).
Manipur Assembly Election 2022: Phase 1 Average Voter Turnout
At the conclusion of the first phase of Manipur Assembly elections on February 28, the state recorded an average voter turnout of 78.30 per cent, as per the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Manipur Election 2022: Current Assembly Term
The term of the current Manipur government began on March 20, 2017, and is slated to end on March 19, 2022. Manipur has a total of sixty assembly constituencies of which 38 assembly constituencies went for polls in the first phase of voting held on February 28.
Manipur Polls Phase 2: List Of Constituencies
The 22 contituencies that are going to polls today include Lilong, Thoubal, Wangkhem, Heirok, Wangjing Tentha, Khangabo, Wabgai, Kakching, Hiyanglam, Sugnoo, Jiribam, Chandel (ST), Tengnoupal (ST), Phungyar (ST), Ukhrul (ST), Chingai (ST), Karong (ST), Mao (ST), Tadubi (ST), Tamei (ST), Tamenglong (ST), and Nungba (ST).
Manipur Election 2022: Poll Details For 2nd Phase
Voting is being held in 1,247 polling stations adhering to COVID-19 safety protocols, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Rajesh Agarwal said. The electoral fate of 92 candidates will be decided today, including 12 from the BJP, followed by 18 from Congress, 11 from National People's Party, and 10 each from Janata Dal (United) and Naga People's Front. Polling will continue till 4 pm.
Manipur Assembly Election 2022: Voting On For 2nd Phase
Polling for the second and last phase of assembly elections in Manipur began at 7 am on Saturday in 22 constituencies across six districts. A total of 8.38 lakh voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in this phase in the districts of Thoubal, Chandel, Ukhrul, Senapati, Tamenglong and Jiribam.