In a significant electoral outcome, the Congress party secured victory in both Lok Sabha seats in strife-torn Manipur, as confirmed by the Election Commission.Alfred Kanngam S Arthur clinched the Outer Manipur seat by a commanding margin of 85,418 votes, defeating his closest contender Kachui Timothy Zimik of the NPF. Arthur amassed 3,84,954 votes while Zimik garnered 2,99,536 votes.
Meanwhile, in the Inner Manipur seat, Angomcha Bimol Akoijam emerged victorious by a substantial margin of 1,09,801 votes over his nearest rival Thounaojam Basantakumar of the BJP. Akoijam secured 3,74,017 votes, while Basantakumar received 2,64,216 votes.Manipur has grappled with ethnic violence since May of the previous year, with clashes stemming from a protest by Kuki tribals against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribes status. The unrest has claimed over 220 lives, including security personnel, amid ongoing turmoil. Despite a BJP-led government in power since 2017, Congress managed to secure both parliamentary seats.
Following the announcement of the results, state Congress president K Meghachandra called for Chief Minister N Biren Singh to resign, attributing the prevailing situation in Manipur to his administration. “We are victorious due to the support of the suffering people. We are grateful for the trust placed in our candidates,” Meghachandra stated. Highlighting corruption as a core issue, Meghachandra pledged to honor the electorate’s trust by fulfilling the promises outlined in the party’s manifesto.Akoijam, upon his win, prioritized the return of displaced individuals to their homes, emphasizing the need for resolution in the state’s crisis. “This mandate sends a clear message against those who threaten Manipur. Now, unity is imperative,” he declared, urging restraint in celebration due to the concurrent flood crisis.