Manipur cliffhanger: Advantage BJP despite Congress emerging as single largest party
Despite coming out as the single largest party in Manipur, the odds are stacked heavily against the incumbent Congress in the state. With 28 seats, it is three short of the magic figure to get a simple majority.
The BJP, which has been the biggest gainer (the party could not open its account in 2012 assembly polls) in these election has won 21. But what gives them a clear advantage is the fact that like-minded parties on whom it is depending for support to form its maiden government in Manipur have done well too.
Another factor that could weigh in its favour is the fact that it is in power at the Centre. Regional Naga Peoples Front (NPF) which is a constituent of the North East Democratic Alliance or NEDA (the north-east offshoot of the NDA) has won 4 seats.
Conrad Sagma's National Pe...