BJP makes its debut in Manipur, wins two assembly seats

GUWAHATI: BJP has won two assembly seats in Manipur, making its debut in the state in the by-polls held on November 21. The party is now preparing a roadmap for 2017 assembly polls in the state.

BJP candidates Thongam Biswajit Singh and Khumukcham Joykishan won the Thongju and Thangmeiband seats respectively, defeating candidates of the ruling Congress.

In Thangmeiband, BJP’s Joykishan defeated nearest rival Jyotin Waikhom of Congress by 1,907 votes. In Thongju, Biswajit of BJP defeated nearest rival Bijoy Koijam of the Congress by 3,213 votes.

In the 60-member assembly, Congress has 48 members, while Trinamool Congress and Naga People’s Front have four members each and Lok Janshakti Party and Nationalist Congress Party one member each.

In Mizoram, Congress retained the seat for which the by-election was held. Former Mizoram health minister and brother of chief minister, Lal Thanzara of Congress won the bypoll to Aizawl North-III assembly seat. Thanzara defeated Mizo National Front candidate K Vanlalvena.