Date:04/06/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/06/04/stories/2006060404561200.htm

National

Congress wins Imphal municipal council poll

Iboyaima Laithangbam

IMPHAL: The ruling Congress has won an absolute majority in the May 31 elections to the 27-member Imphal Municipal Council. The party bagged 16 seats, while its coalition partner, the Communist Party of India, failed to secure a single seat.

The BJP has also failed to open its account. The proscribed underground organisation, Kanglei Yawol Kunna Lup has banned all its candidates from contesting any election as long as the former Lok Sabha MP, Thounaojam Chaoba, remains a BJP member. Five BJP candidates surrendered the party ticket and contested as independents.

Two other BJP nominees could not venture out. Gunmen attacked their houses although nobody was injured.

There is pressure within the party to expel Mr. Chaoba, a sworn enemy of the KYKL, if the BJP is to survive in the State. He was removed from presidentship at the behest of the KYKL.