Manipur assembly election 2022: Independent candidate, with assets over Rs 29 crore, is richest in first phase

Manipur phase 1 election: Sapam Nishikant Singh is a candidate from Keisamthong constituency in Imphal West. (Image posted on Facebook by Sapam Nishikant Singh)

An independent candidate, Sapam Nishikant Singh, is the richest candidate contesting the 2022 Manipur assembly election in the first phase, according to a report released on February 18 by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).

Singh, in his election affidavit, has declared assets worth over Rs 29 crore. He is contesting from Keisamthong constituency in Imphal West district.

The second-richest candidate in the first phase of Manipur polls is Khombongmayum Suresh Singh from Janata Dal (United). The candidate from Uripok constituency in Imphal West has assets worth Rs 18.95 crore.

Third on the list of wealthy elections candidates is Sehpu Haokip, another independent candidate. He has declared assets worth Rs 18.65 crore. Haokip will fight from Henglep constituency in Churachandpur district.

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In all, 173 candidates are contesting the first phase election in Manipur. Ninety-one (53 percent) have assets valued over Rs 1 crore, according to ADR.

Out of 27 National People’s Party candidates, 21 (78 percent) are crorepatis the report showed. From BJP, 27 (71 percent) of 38 candidates have assets worth over Rs 1 crore.

Among the 35 Congress candidates contesting in the first phase, 18 (51 percent) are crorepatis. Half of 28 JD(U) candidates have declared assets worth over Rs 1 crore.

The first phase of Assembly election in Manipur will be held on February 28. It will cover 38 constituencies. The second phase with 22 constituencies will take place on March 5. Votes will be counted on March 10.

This time, the Naga People’s Front (NPF), which had helped the BJP come to power in Manipur in 2017, is contesting elections against it. NPF will fight from 10 seats.