Exit polls 2017: Congress will hold on to Manipur

It seems that despite the bouts of violence, political agitation and the turf wars, the Okram Ibobi Singh-led Congress government will return to power in Manipur. However, what must be noted that the BJP, which is a first time major player in the state, has also made significant gains in its opening innings.

The BJP and Congress were directed pitched against each other, even though the three-time chief minister of Congress is a political veteran who commands immense power in the state. In addition, the joining of Irom Sharmila and her Peoples Resurgence and Justice Alliance heated up the Manipur political theatre just enough in the 60-seat Manipur Assembly.

Seat share

The India Today-Axis My India exit poll predicts that the Congress will get about 30-36 seats in the 60-seat Manipur Assembly, pushing past the post first. The BJP is getting 16-22 seats, while the Naga Peoples front (NPF) getting about 3-5 seats.

Vote share

The Congress maintains a comfortable lead getting 42 per cent of the votes, while BJP too does well getting 31 per cent. The NPF gets 9 per cent of the votes, while about 18 per cent goes to others like Irom Sharmila’s PRAJA, NCP, MPP, etc.

Key points:

O Ibobi Singh’s government managed to turn the rising anti-incumbency around by creating the seven new districts along tribal identity lines that actually helped the people.

Moreover the economic blockage by the United Naga Council had Manipur denizens inconvenienced, but the BJP-ruled Centre allowed the problem to fester, paralysing capital Imphal for over four months.

The NPF-driven blockade created severe shortage of fuel and food which saw the prices of essential commodities spiralling upwards. That helped the Ibobi Singh government gain sympathy votes and retain power.

Also read - Why economic blockade in Manipur gives Ibobi Singh hope