Voting began in Manipur on Monday for the first phase of state elections across five districts – Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Churachandpur, and Kangpokpi – for 38 of 60 assembly seats. Chief Minister N Biren Singh is among the key candidates. He is contesting from the home turf of Heingang as he seeks a fifth term. The voting commenced at 7 am. It will continue till 4 pm. Manipur is a critical northeastern state that the BJP is fighting to retain to maintain its footprint in the northeast.
The voting is taking place amid tight security in the insurgency-hit state. “Security personnel is present in large numbers from Assam and Manipur, smooth polling is expected”, presiding officer Dr Syed Ahmed was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. The voter turnout touched 27.34 per cent in the state till 11 am, according to the Election Commission.
