Election result 2012: Congress appears to retain power in Manipur

IMPHAL: Congress appeared to be retaining power in Manipur with the party leading in 17 seats and winning in one seat in the 60-member Assembly.

The Congress candidate in Tipaimukh constituency Dr Chaltonlien Amo won defeating TMC's Lalumkhum Fimate.

As per trends available, the Manipur Peoples Party-led alliance was ahead in three seats while Trinamool Congress was leading in one seat while others were ahead in four seats.

Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and Works Minister K Ranjit of Congress were leading from Thoubal and Sugnu seats respectively in Thoubal district.

Ibobi Singh was leading against his rival O Indira of BJP by 120 votes while Ranjit Singh was leading by 35 votes against his rival M Binod of Manipur People's Party.

In Sekmai assembly constituency, Congress candidate K H Debendra is leading against his rival CPI candidate A Oken Singh.

Counting of vote began at 8 AM amidst tight security. The results are expected by the afternoon.