Manipur elections: Congress expels candidate for supporting BJP in Wangoi constituency

Congress on Sunday, February 27, expelled Salam Joy Singh, party's candidate for Wangoi AC, based on disciplinary grounds. As Manipur goes to  first phase of elections today, Manipur Presh Congress Committee working president T Mangibabu Singh issued an order that said Salam Joy Singh was expelled from primary membership of Congress with immediate effect.

party found "prima facie evidence" against Singh for breach of disciplinary rules, and also party continuously received reports from Congress workers and leers from Wangoi Assembly Constituency including some viral videos. In video that went viral on social media platforms, Salam Joy Singh was seen extending his support to incumbent BJP MLA Oinam Lukhoi Singh.

On Monday, February 28, voting for first phase of Manipur election has begun with 38 constituencies in five districts going to polls.

In a related update, police on Sunday said that a Janata Dal (United) candidate was shot at by unidentified assailants while he was inspecting polling stations at Naharup Makhapat area in Manipur's Imphal East district.

In attack that took place around 11.30 p.m., Wahengbam Rojit Singh (42), a nominee for Khetrigao seat, was injured, police sources said. He has been treated at a private hospital and doctor has informed that patient is critical but is out of danger. Furr investigation into incident is underway.

Manipur election 2022

As per Election Commission, polls will be held in two phases in Manipur. 60 constituencies in state will be divided into two sets, one for each phase. date of polls for Phase 1 is February 28 while for phase 2 it is March 3. counting day would be March 10. 

In March 2017, previous assembly elections were held in Manipur and BJP came to power in state for first time. Even though Congress emerged as single largest party by winning 28 seats, eight Congress MLAs left party later. BJP with National People's Party (NPP), Naga People's Front, and Lok Janshakti formed coalition government by winning 21 seats. N Biren Singh became Chief Minister of Manipur. 

BJP-led coalition government's key partner is NPP and this party has two ministers in government, including deputy chief minister.

(With PTI input)

(Image: PTI/Facebook/SalamJoySingh)