Almost all the BJP members who were denied party ticket have gone on to join other parties to contest the elections on March 4 and 8 in Manipur. Before the contestants for the 31 constituencies were named, they had all publicly pledged to extend support to the chosen candidates.
The announcement of BJP candidates for the remaining 29 seats is expected shortly. And more disgruntled elements are likely to leave the party. Some new parties have timed the last date for submitting applications to allow for the entry of BJP leaders who are denied ticket.
Congress sources have indicated that no new ticket aspirant will be admitted to the party, which is hoping to retain power for the fourth consecutive term. Such new admissions in the past had triggered resignations in both the BJP and the Congress. Party leaders feel such party-hopping will adversely affect poll prospects.
Muslims in the State too are unhappy that only one of them, Anwar Hussain, was given the BJP ticket. Mr. Hussain is contesting from the Lilong constituency. The current Assembly has three Muslim MLAs belonging to the ruling Congress.
“Lilong is the only constituency where there is a Muslim majority,” said a senior BJP leader. “In a few remaining constituencies, there is a mixed population and Muslim contestants would win in the past benefiting from the division of non-Muslim votes.”
Salam Khan, president of the State Minorities Morcha said there was sizeable number of Muslim voters in 18 constituencies in Manipur. “Some more Muslims should have been given the party ticket,” he said.
Meanwhile, electioneering is yet to begin in a big way. Some candidates have begun house campaigns. People in Manipur still spend most of their time standing in long queues for petrol and cooking gas. They also have to pay through the nose for essential consumer items as a result of the ongoing economic blockade imposed by the United Naga Council on November 1, protesting against the creation of new districts. No one has time for election work.
The ruling Congress and the BJP are merely passing the buck and not taking firm steps to end the blockade. The State government is preparing to declare the UNC an unlawful organisation.
