Irom Sharmila and Ibobi Singh File Nominations for Manipur Polls

Sharmila filed her nominations on behalf of her Peoples’ Resurgence and Justice Alliance (PRJA), which is making an electoral debut, while Ibobi Singh files for Congress. (Photo: The Quint)

Activist Irom Sharmila and Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, who is seeking a fourth term, today filed their nominations for Thoubal Assembly seat in the upcoming Assembly elections.

Sharmila filed her nominations on behalf of her Peoples' Resurgence and Justice Alliance (PRJA), which is making an electoral debut, while Ibobi Singh filed for Congress.

Anti-AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act) crusader Irom Sharmila, who ended her 16-year-long hunger strike in August 2016, will be one of the main opponents against the Congress veteran in Thoubal.

She reached Thoubal on her bicycle, covering a distance of about 20 kilometres from Imphal, flanked by her party activists.

Also Read: Irom Sharmila to Contest From Manipur CM Ibobi’s Constituency

PRJA is hoping to make an impact using alternative political practices.

Ibobi Singh, the three-time CM of Manipur, is eyeing a fourth term in office after being elected successively in 2002, 2007 and 2012.

Also Read: Manipur Elections: BJP Will Suffer Due to Lack of a Strong Leader

Polling for the 60-member Manipur Assembly will take place in two phases on 4 March and 8 March respectively, results for which will be declared on 11 March.

In the last Assembly polls, the Congress had won 42 seats and Okram Ibobi Singh was re-elected as the CM of the state.