Imphal, Jan 19: The Congress party in Manipur has joined the Christian groups in demanding postponement of the first phase of Manipur elections, scheduled on February 27, to a different date as the day is a Sunday.
Manipur Congress working president, K. Meghachandra, said, “We will write to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to schedule the election on any day other than Sunday as it is a day of worship.”
On Tuesday the All Manipur Christian Organisation (AMCO) wrote to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to reschedule the Assembly polls on February 27 as the day falls on a Sunday, which is the prayer day of the Christian community. It had cited that a large number of voters may refrain from voting on a Sunday. It asked the ECI to reschedule the first phase polling date to show solidarity and respect towards the religious sentiment of the Christians. It said the election can be scheduled on any other day of the week, except Sundays.
Earlier, NPF – the ally of ruling BJP, had also urged the Election Commission to postpone the election date.
Out of total 60 seats in Manipur, 20 are reserved for the tribals. Tribals make about 43 percent of the electorate and are predominantly Christian.
Christian population constitute 41.29 percent of Manipur’s three million people, of which 41.39 per cent are Hindu and 8.40 per cent people belong to Muslim community.
The elections to the 60-member Manipur Assembly would be held in two phases – on February 27 and March 3. The counting of votes will take place on March 10.
