Congress Sweeps Manipur, Secures Victory in Both Lok Sabha Seats

The Congress candidates secured victories in both of Manipur's Lok Sabha seats, dealing defeats to the ruling BJP and its ally, the Naga People's Front. Angomcha Bimol Akoijam of the Congress emerged victorious in the Inner Manipur constituency, overcoming BJP candidate Thounaojam Basanta Kumar Singh by a margin of 1,09,801 votes. In the Outer Manipur parliamentary seat, Congress candidate Alfred Kanngam S. Arthur defeated NPF nominee Kachui Timothy Zimik by 85,418 votes. Akoijam, a professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), and Arthur, a former MLA from Ukhrul Assembly constituency, were the consensus nominees of a 10-party alliance in Manipur.

These victories marked a significant political shift in Manipur, where the Congress wrested both seats from the BJP and its allies. The Inner Manipur constituency, dominated by the Meitei community, and the Outer Manipur seat, largely representing the Kuki-Zo tribal communities and Naga tribes, witnessed the Congress candidates securing comfortable victories. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections in Manipur unfolded against the backdrop of an ongoing ethnic conflict. Despite challenges, the Congress managed to secure both seats.

Campaigning in Manipur focused extensively on addressing the ethnic conflict, which has resulted in casualties, injuries, and internal displacement. As per reports, the BJP campaigned on promises of restoring peace and highlighting the government's handling of the conflict positively, while the Congress emphasized accountability and criticized the BJP's approach to dealing with the crisis. The election also saw strategic maneuvering, with no Kuki-Zo candidate contesting in the Outer Manipur constituency as per a resolution passed by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum. This decision led to a direct contest between Alfred Kanngam S. Arthur and the NPF's Timothy Zimik, both from the Naga community.

Despite incidents of violence and threats during the campaigning period, voter turnout in Manipur exceeded 70%. The Election Commission reported 17 instances of re-polling due to incidents like booth capturing and voter intimidation. Tight security measures were implemented at counting centers to ensure safety.