As many as 31 candidates of the 175 who have passed the scrutiny for the first phase of the ensuing Manipur election 2022 have declared pending criminal cases against them in their poll affidavits.
Of the 31 candidates, 10 including five MLAs and four former MLAs are from BJP; five including one MLA are from INC; two from NPP; seven including one MLA are from JD-U; three from NCP and the remaining three are independent candidates, as per the affidavits filed by them to the concerned ROs during their election nominations.
The 10 candidates of BJP are O Henry of Wangkhei, V Hangkhalian of Churachandpur, Th Robindro of Thanga, M Prithiviraj of Moirang, Jotin Waikhom of Thangmeiband, L Rameshwor of Keirao, Th Shyamkumar of Andro, Karam Shyam of Langthabal, S Rajen of Lamsang and Yamthong Haokip of Saikul.
Among them, one of the former MLAs was allegedly involved in an infamous multi-crore drug haul case and another former MLA was allegedly involved in an arms missing case from arm kote of 2nd MR. Charges have been framed against both the BJP candidates being investigated by the CBI and NIA respectively. Another former MLA was charged of being a member of a proscribed militant group, as per the affidavit.
The five candidates of INC are Nunglepam Mahananda of Uripok, Th Lokeshwar of Khundrakpam, Thongram Tony of Keirao, A Deben of Lamlai and Keisham Ningthemjao of Andro.
The three candidates of NCP are Ningthoujam Popilal of Sekmai, George T Haokip of Saikot, and MI Khan of Keirao. One of the candidates was charged with waging war against the government, belonging to a gang of dacoits among others.
The seven candidates of JD-U are Y Shanta of Keirao, S Preshyojit of Thongju, N Herojit of Konthoujam, O Nabakishore of Bishenpur, Kh Joykishan of Thangmeiband, Kanba Meetei of Lamsang and Th Brinda of Yaiskul. One of the candidates who is a former chief secretary of Manipur was charged for allegedly involved in a multi-crore Manipur Development Society (MDS) scam.
The two candidates of NPP are Sheikh Noorul Hassan of Kshetrigao and L Sanjoy of Andro. The single candidate of RPI(A) is M Poireihanba of Lamlai and the three independent candidates are S Nishikant of Keishamthong, S Kangleipal of Lamlai and Sehpu Haokip of Henglep.
Among the independent candidates, one of them was charged for criminal intimidation, criminal conspiracy, being a member of a terrorist organisation, cyber terrorism, attempt to murder among others.
