Manipur Elections: Issues that matter
Manipur is going to the polls on January 28. In the run-up to the Assembly elections, politicians have a host of issues to contend with.
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Elections were held in the state on January 28. The ruling Congress party led by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh is looking to make it third time lucky. The main opposition to the Congress is the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Janata Dal (United) in forging a pre-poll alliance.
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Bandhs and blockades are another issue in the state. Fights between tribal groups - the Nagas and the Kukis - created a 93-day blockade on two national highways in Manipur. This is a sensitive issue which the state government has not been able to resolve.
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The Kukis demand the creation of Sadar Hills - a Kuki-demanded area. Naga groups however oppose it. S. Milan of the United Naga Council (UNC) stated that the Government should have consulted the Nagas before taking a stand on the SADAR Hills which he claims is the ancestral home of the Nagas.
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Congress is facing a stiff competition from the other parties in the state. The Trinamool Congress has fielded its 48 candidates and Nagaland People's Front is contesting all Naga dominated seats. Chief Ministers Mamata Bannerjee and Nephurio Rio have also campaigned extensively across the state against the Congress.
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Who comes to power may depend largely on the 10 odd Naga dominated seats in the state. This time a new party called Nagaland People's Front has fielded candidates in all Nagaland dominated areas. The Congress and other parties are vying for the Naga vote.
