Congress list out for first phase

Earlier, much drama came to pass at Congress Bhawan, with the CM and Pradesh Congress Committee president Gaikhangam unable to reach a decision on the list of candidates for the first phase. Congress workers supporting individual ticket aspirants clashed with police while demanding transparency in the allotment of tickets, in which several workers were injured.

In Thoubal district8217;s Yairipok constituency, Congress workers loyal to an aspirant burnt effigies of Ibobi, national Congress president Sonia Gandhi and MPCC chief Gaikhangam protesting the non-allotment of a ticket to their candidate.

Meanwhile, there will be eight new faces in the first phase of elections, most notable among them being veteran politician and former CM Rishang Keishing8217;s son Victor, who will be contesting on a Congress ticket from Phungyar in Ukhrul district. Also trying his luck will be former Deputy Commissioner of Imphal west district and IAS officer Y. Surchandra, who will be standing from Kakching in Thoubal.

In a comparatively quieter manner, the Bhartiya Janata Party, has declared the first phase list of candidates for eight Assembly segments.