Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has announced that the Bharatiya Janata Party-BJP will support the candidate of the Naga People’s Front or NPF for the Outer Manipur Lok Sabha seat in the upcoming general elections.
CM Singh revealed that the decision was made by the BJP’s highest decision-making body, led by party president JP Nadda. In a statement posted on X, CM Singh expressed, “‘Following the decision by BJP4India under the guidance of JP Nadda, and upholding our alliance principles, I am delighted to share that BJP will lend its support to Lok Sabha candidate of NPF in the Outer Manipur constituency for the forthcoming parliamentary elections in 2024.”
The NPF, an ally of the BJP in Manipur, has nominated K Timothy Zimik, a former Indian Revenue Service officer, as their candidate for the Outer Manipur seat. Zimik, who previously served as the principal chief commissioner of the Income Tax department, hails from Ukhrul district.
Meanwhile, the BJP has yet to announce its candidate for the Inner Manipur Lok Sabha constituency. Party sources indicate that contenders for the ticket include incumbent MP RK Ranjan, BJP president A Sharda Devi, and Rajya Sabha MP L Sanajaoba.
Voting for Inner Manipur and some parts of Outer Manipur will take place in the first phase on April 19, with the remaining segments of Outer Manipur scheduled for the second phase on April 26.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar announced on March 16 that residents of violence-affected areas in Manipur will be permitted to vote from their temporary settlements. Ethnic clashes between the Meitei and tribal Kuki communities in Manipur have led to significant loss of life since May of the previous year, with over 200 casualties reported.
