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Our Correspondent
Imphal, Feb. 12 (EMN): Among 55 candidates in Imphal West district, which houses 13 assembly constituencies for the first phase of Manipur polls on February 28, Independent candidate Sapam Nishikant from Keishamthong assembly constituency is the richest in the fray, while the youngest candidate Ningthoujam Popilal Singh(26) of Sekmai constituency is also the poorest candidate.
Popilal, who studied BA from Liberal College, Luwangshangbam, according to his affidavit, has identified himself as a cultivator without any source of income. Interestingly 24 out of the 55 candidates contesting in the first phase of the elections in Imphal West are first time candidates.
From the 13 Assembly Constituencies, altogether 56 candidates from different political parties had filed their nominations till February 8. However, Independent candidate from Langthabal seat-Pukhrambam Somojit Singh withdrew his candidature on the last date of withdrawing candidatures, reducing the total number of candidates to 55. Sekmai (SC) constituency with eight candidates has the highest number of candidates in the fray for Imphal West district. On the other hand, 80-year-old former opposition firebrand politician Okram Joy Singh of the Indian National Congress from Langthabal Constituency is the oldest among the candidates in Imphal West district. Out of the 55 candidates, five candidates are under 35 years of age while two are above 75 years.
Imphal West has six woman candidates contesting from different Assembly Constituencies. The six woman candidates are 77-year-old Aribam Pramodini Devi of INC from 12-Keishamthong AC, Independent candidate Maharabam Anita Devi from Sekmai (SC) AC, Pukhrambam Sumati Devi of the NPP from Lamsang AC, Khoirom Binarani Devi of NCP from Konthoujam AC, Akoijam Mirabai Devi of INC from Patsoi AC and Sagolshem Kebi Devi of BJP from Langthabal AC.