It is very hard to predict who will sail through in this turbulent atmosphere in Manipur though the current seems to be running in Bimol’s favour at the moment
TFM Team
Anti-incumbency sentiments are running high in Manipur as ethnic violence has dragged on for nearly one year with people openly expressing dissatisfaction over the Central and State Governments’ efforts to promote reconciliation between two warring communities. People feel it’s time to teach a lesson to the ruling party which did little to resolve the issue and failed to action against its MLAs and party leaders who are openly defying the BJP-led Manipur government and supporting the call for separation from Manipur.
Gauging the pulse of the people, many political pundits opine that the ruling party is likely to face a backlash due to these perceived failures in the government’s handling of the conflict and addressing the root causes of the conflict despite having its government both in the State and at the Centre. The underlying grievances of the people affected by violence may sway voters against the ruling BJP.
On the other side, people are really upset as they feel that elections are imposed on them when Manipur is raging in conflict between the two communities. Many vowed to opt for NOTA and refrain from the election to express their anger with the Government’s way of handling the conflict.
However, off late, anti-BJP votes seem to be consolidating in favour of Congress Candidate Dr Angomcha Bimol Akoijam whom many perceived to be the most qualified among the candidates in the fray, four other candidates RPI National Secretary Maheshwar Thounaojam and Independent candidates Rajkumar Somorendro Singh@ Kaiku, Moirangthem Totomsana Nongsaba, Moirangthem Tomtomsana Nongshaba and Haorungbam Sarat are also vying to exploit the anti-BJP sentiment.
Therefore, despite having massive anti-incumbency wave in the Manipur, the existing situations may prove to be a boon in disguise for the BJP with 37 MLAs of the ruling alliance throwing their weight behind party candidate Thounaojam Basanta Singh. Basanta is expected remain a formidable candidate as anti-BJP votes will be divided among three main contenders – Bimol, Maheshwar and Kaiku and many voters are likely to press NOTA to register their anger against the ruling dispensation.
Moreover, with some civil society organisations and localities resolving not to participate in the “imposed” elections, Manipur is expected to register low voter turnout. It’s a prospective scenario that will serve as a saviour for the BJP candidate.
So, it is very hard to predict who will sail through in this turbulent atmosphere in Manipur though the current seems to be running in Bimol’s favour at the moment.