Imphal, Mar 10: The ruling BJP has surged ahead in 29 seats, while the opposition Congress was leading in nine seats out of 59 constituencies for which trends were available in the vote count for the Manipur Assembly polls on Thursday. State Chief Minister N Biren (BJP) is leading over P Saratchandra Singh (INC) in Heingang by over 5700 votes. BJP heavyweight Th Radheshyam was leading at Heirok while state Congress President N Loken was trailing BJP candidate Basanta Singh at Nambol. Veteran Congress leader O Joy was leading over former Minister K Shyam of the BJP at Langthabal while Agriculture Minister O Lukhoi was trailing NPP candidate Kh. Loken at Wangoi.
The counting is being held in 41counting halls spread over 12 counting centres in various parts of the state to decide the fate of 265 candidates, including 17 women. The BJP is fighting in all the seats, while the Congress has stitched together an alliance with the Left parties and the Janata Dal (Secular). In the 2017 Assembly Elections, the Congress had won 28, Bharatiya Janata Party 21, Naga Peoples Front 4 and National People’s Party 4 seats. Lok Jan Shakti Party. All India Trinamool Congress and Independents had bagged one seat each. UNI
