Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to campaign for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Manipur today, marking his first visit since May 29, 2023, following ethnic violence in the state on May 3 the same year.
Shah is expected to arrive in Imphal around 2 pm and address a public meeting at Hapta Kangjeibung, before departing around 4.30 pm.
During his visit, he will hold meetings with Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, Manipur BJP President A Sharda Devi, and other party leaders.
According to the state BJP, the focus of Shah’s campaign will be to garner support for Thounaojam Basanta Kumar Singh, the BJP's candidate from the Inner Manipur Lok Sabha constituency and the current education minister of the state.
The seat is presently held by BJP leader and Minister of State for External Affairs Rajkumar Ranjan Singh.
The Inner Manipur Lok Sabha segment encompasses 32 assembly constituencies across the conflict-stricken Imphal valley.
Notably, the BJP has refrained from fielding any candidate in the Outer Manipur segment but will extend support to candidates put forward by the Naga People's Front (NPF), its ally in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
The election campaigning in Manipur has been marred by the ongoing crisis and violence in the state, with national highways remaining blocked since May 2023.
This situation has severely restricted access to the outside world for those residing in the valley areas, leading to a shortage of essential supplies.
The state witnessed ethnic violence in May 2023 following a tribal solidarity march protesting against the demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status by the majority Meitei community.
The violence has claimed over 200 lives and displaced thousands of people.
A number of organisations and displaced persons living in relief camps have demanded the postponement of elections.
Candidates from the Congress party, Dr. Bimol in Inner Manipur and Alfred in Outer Manipur, have faced threats and intimidation, leading to a total disruption in their plans for campaigning.
Meanwhile, family members of 31 missing individuals from the crisis have expressed their intent to raise the issue with the Union Home Minister during his visit, urging action to trace the missing persons.
In the Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency, six candidates are contesting, including representatives from the BJP, Congress, and independent candidates. Similarly, four candidates are vying for the Outer Manipur (ST) Parliamentary Constituency seat.
The election for the Inner Manipur constituency is scheduled for April 19, while the Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency elections will be held in two phases on April 19 and April 26.
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