IMPHAL :  The Indian National Congress is currently leading in both of Manipur’s Lok Sabha seats, marking a significant development for the party in the BJP-ruled state. Addressing the media, N Popital, the President of the Manipur Pradesh Youth Congress, emphasized the victory as an achievement for the people of Manipur and a testament to the party’s efforts to uphold democracy.

Popital accused the BJP of attempting to undermine democratic values and constitutional integrity in Manipur. “The BJP has been trying to strengthen the free poets. The beauty of democracy in Manipur is being destroyed,” he stated, highlighting the Congress party’s role in preserving democratic principles. He expressed pride in the collective efforts of like-minded parties and the people of Manipur in safeguarding democracy.

Popital also mentioned the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, initiated by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, which started in Manipur, underscoring the party’s commitment to democratic ideals. “It’s a very big mandate we are going to cross. We are going to win this election by a huge margin of more than one lakh,” he added.

In the Inner Manipur constituency, Congress candidate Angomcha Bimol Akoijam is leading by over 62,000 votes against BJP’s Thounaojam Basantakumar. In the Outer Manipur reserved constituency, Alfred Kanngam S Arthur of the Congress has taken a lead of more than 2,700 votes over his Naga People’s Front (NPF) rival, Kachui Timothy Zimik.

Manipur’s two Lok Sabha seats, Inner Manipur and Outer Manipur, are witnessing a potential shift in the political landscape, with the Congress party poised for a significant victory.