Straight fight between BJP, Cong expected in Manipur bypoll

Imphal: The ruling Congress party and the BJP are poised for a straight fight in the bypoll scheduled to be held on November 21 in two Assembly constituencies.
The formal declarations have not been done yet however election campaign and holding of meetings have already started. In Thangmeiband former Chief Minister Radhabinod Koijam had joined the BJP through central leaders and was expecting favourable response however party Chief Chaoba has refused to allow to join the party. Radhabinod has reportedly decided not to contest this time.
The Congress will field Jyotin Waikhom at Thangmeiband and Bijoy Koijam at Thongju. Both the Congress candidates had lost to Trinamool candidates. Both the disqualified Trinamool MLAs have joined the BJP and were seeking BJP tickets.
For Thangmeiband the line was clear for Khumukcham Joykishan former MLA as other BJP leaders have opted out of the race. For Thongju former MLAs Thongam Bishwajit and Sapam Dhanajoy have applied for party ticket. Bishwajit was disqualified alongwith Joykishan .
CPI  Manipur State Council has decided not to contest in the elections. CPI Manipur State Council secretary M Nara said his party will fight against the BJP. In the last elections, Joykishan defeated Jyotin by a margin of about 1000 votes while at Thongju AC, Bishwajit defeated Bijoy by a margin of about 500 votes. (UNI)