Manipur parties scamper for a consensus candidate

IMPHAL, August 8: Most political leaders in Manipur have engaged their time to find a common candidate for the ensuing Lok Sabha elections. Both the Opposition and ruling parties of the state are yet to decide the consensus candidate. According to Manipur People's Party (MPP) president, Okram Joy Singh, parleys were on to reach an agreement among the six Opposition parties to jointly fight the National Democratic Alliance candidate. He also said that a final decision would be taken on August 9 next. However, MPP has decided to put the party's candidate in the fray in the Inner Manipur constituency. Senior advocate K Mani and senior MPP leader G Joykumar have applied for the party ticket. Sources said Mani is the likely choice. At the same time, the election committee meeting of the Congress on Friday last was unable to take any decision concerning party nomination. Former MP N Tombi, Nimaichand Luwang, and C Manihar are seeking the Inner Manipur ticket while former MP Meijinglung Kamson, R K Theko, AS Arthur and Deli Mao are seeking a ticket the Outer Manipur seat. Party sources said N Tombi and RK Theko are the likely candidates. According to sources, MPP, CPI, JD, CPM and RJD may desert the Congress in case the latter refuses to change its stand.