As Manipur awaits the announcement of the first list of the state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidates for the election to the state legislative Assembly, intending party candidates of Wangkhei Assembly Constituency O Henry and of Sagolband Assembly Constituency RK Imo appealed to party supporters and workers to maintain calm and to not involve in any activities that may hurt the sentiment of the ticket aspirants.
The two intending candidates called for unity and harmony among the BJP supporters and urged them to not burst firecrackers too.
"At this juncture, it is my earnest appeal to every Karyakartas and supporters of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Manipur to control their emotions and not hurt the sentiments of the ticket aspirants after the declaration of the BJP ticket. I urge not to burst firecrackers too. Following the ideology and principles of the Party, I believe that we will continue to work together for the cause of the forthcoming election under one umbrella. With firm commitment and dedication, we will emerge victorious and form the next government with thumping majority," O Henry said in a Facebook post.
Sagolband AC RK Imo also urged to give due respect to all the aspirants and their supporters.
"I urge everyone not to burst any firecrackers, not hurt the sentiments of the ticket aspirants after the declaration of the BJP ticket. Let us all unite and work together for the cause of the forthcoming election. Whatever celebration is to be done, should be on the 10th of March after the declaration of results. Let us all request the opponents to work together and unite as one for the betterment of the society at large. Let us all give due respect to all the aspirants and their supporters and request them to work under one family," Imo posted on Facebook.
As there are many BJP ticket aspirants in various Assembly constituencies, many political analysts have predicted breach of peace by the supporters of the aspirants who do not get the BJP ticket.
As a preventive measure, the state government has deployed a large number of security personnel, including paramilitary forces in front of the Manipur BJP head office at Nityaipat Chuthek in Imphal West.
The first list of the BJP candidates is likely to be announced on Thursday.
Manipur will go to polls in two phases - on February 27 and March 3 - to elect 60 assembly members and counting of votes will take place on March 10.
