Manipur Police tightens security measures ahead of bypolls

Meanwhile, political parties have also geared up for the ensuing bypolls to Lilong and Wangjing-Tentha constituencies in Thoubal district, Wangoi constituency in Imphal West district, Saitu constituency in Kangpokpi district and Singhat constituency in Churachandpur district.

It may be mentioned that the Election Commission of India on Monday announced the by-elections to the Wangoi, Saitu and Singhat Assembly constituencies. Earlier, on September 29, the ECI had announced the by-election schedule for Lilong and Wangjing-Tentha Assembly constituencies.

The last date for filing nominations is October 20, followed by scrutiny and withdrawal of candidature on October 21 and 23 respectively. Polling is scheduled on November 7, while the counting and completion of the election process have been marked on November 10 and 12 respectively.

With the announcement of the election schedule, the model code of conduct came into effect, which will be applicable in areas falling under the Wangoi Assembly constituency and the entire districts of Thoubal, Kangpokpi and Churachandpur.

The by-elections to the five Assembly constituencies were necessitated after their respective sitting MLAs resigned from the membership of the Manipur Legislative Assembly in August.

At present, 13 Assembly constituencies are lying vacant in the 60-member Manipur House following disqualification and resignation of MLAs.

The BJP-led Government in Manipur came to power in March, 2017 with the support of four MLAs each from the NPP and the NPF, besides one MLA each from the TMC, the Lok Janshakti Party, and an Independent.