IMPHAL, April 12 - The election tempo for the second phase of the Lok Sabha polls for the coveted Inner Manipur constituency picked up on Friday after polling for the first phase was held on Thursday.
On Friday, two candidates � RK Anand of North East India Development Party (NEIDP) and RK Somendro (Kaiku), an Independent � held flag hoisting ceremonies, while the remaining candidates organised public meetings at many places in and around the state capital.
A total of 11 candidates are contesting in the Inner Manipur constituency. The key issues include development as well as the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill. The other candidates are Dr RK Ranjan of BJP, O Nabakishore of Congress, Dr M Nara of Communist Party of India, G Tonsana of Manipur Democratic People�s Front, S Nandeshore of Rashtriya Janhit Sangharsh Party, O Jugindro of Manipur People�s Party, and Independent candidates M Tomtomsana, W Pobitro Singh and Md Iliyash Khan.
Speaking at the flag hoisting ceremony at his native Thangmeiband ground, Manipuri actor turned politician RK Somendro, seeking public support and cooperation, said he wants to serve the people by becoming a �hero� in real life.
Many film personalities were present at the gathering. �The recognition and support by people, right from children to the aged, to our colleague for his dedicated service for so many years will help him this time,� said Gokul, a popular actor and key functionary of Kaiku�s election committee.
In the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, Dr Th Meinya of the Congress won by defeating his nearest rival Dr M Nara of the CPI.
