IMPHAL, March 19 - The Naga People�s Front (NPF), an ally of the BJP-led coalition Government in Manipur, on Wednesday withdrew its nominee from the ensuing Rajya Sabha election in the State.
Three candidates � Leishemba Sanajaoba of the BJP, T Mangibabu of the Congress and Honreikhui Kashung of the NPF � had filed nomination papers for the lone Rajya Sabha seat in Manipur, polling for which is scheduled on March 26. However, on the last day of withdrawal of nomination on Wednesday, the NPF candidate withdrew from the race. After the withdrawal by the NPF nominee, the election will now be a straight fight between the BJP and the Opposition Congress.