Manipur Elections 2022 Results: BJP retains northeast state after losing allies

The BJP seems set to return to power in insurgency-hit Manipur, winning a simple majority in the 60-member House. Incumbent Chief Minister N. Biren Singh retained his Heingang seat, beating Congress rival P Saratchandra Singh by over 18,000 votes.

Biren Singh seems to be set for another term as CM, although the BJP did not announce any CM candidate ahead of polls, even as the party leadership dropped hints that Biren Singh would retain the throne.

The BJP first came to power in Manipur in 2017. After bagging 21 seats, it stitched a coalition with the NPF and NPP to form the govt in the state. But this time, the BJP has gone solo in Manipur.

The Congress, which emerged as the single largest party with 28 seats in 2017, formed the Manipur Progressive Secular Alliance or MPSA this time, after forging a pre-poll alliance with four Left parties and Janata Dal-Secular. (JDS)

Former chief minister and Congress legislature party leader Okram Ibobi Singh retains his coveted Thoubal seat. He beat his BJP rival by a margin of more than 2000 votes.

After a gap of 22 years, Janata Dal (United) also managed to record a few wins in Manipur. With over 10% of votes in its kitty, JD(U) is now a recognised 'state party' in another northeast state.

The homegrown Kuki People’s Alliance (KPA) has opened its account in Manipur. The little-known party, founded by two retired bureaucrats, a practising doctor and a lawyer, might not have an impact on the results, but its victory in both the seats it contested is significant in Manipur’s political landscape, where tribal aspirations play a major role.