The first phase of the Manipur assembly election took place on February 28. This year is set to be a path-breaking one for the youth, as Ningthoujam Popilal Singh, a 26-year-old, has become the youngest candidate from the state. In addition to that, he also happens to be the only candidate in the elections without any assets. He filed his nomination for the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) from the Sekmai Assembly Constituency (AC) at the office of RO 16-Sekmai AC.
About him
Hailing from Phayeng Mayai Leikai in Imphal West, Singh, a cultivator by profession, does not have any source of income, according to his admission in his affidavit. While claiming in the affidavit, he said that he does not have any movable or immovable assets, cash in hand, or liquid assets.
It is very out of the norm for Manipuri candidates, seeing as 91 of the 173 candidates who ran for the first phase in the state were crorepatis. He is undoubtedly breaking the bar regarding the financial pre-requisites one must need to run for office. However, he has a pending defamation case for a crime he allegedly committed in 2018. Having completed his graduation from Manipur University, he was also a contender for an INC ticket from Sekmai. It was, however, eventually given to Ningthoujam Biren Singh. Seven other candidates are in the fray from this constituency.
When asked to give a statement, he pointed out how it’s not money that the youth of money craves. “I am an unemployed graduate. I make a living for my family through private tuition to students of my village. Voters of my constituency don’t run after money. You can’t win them with money,” he told NDTV. His campaign, according to him, is being sponsored by his local community and band of supporters.
The seat that he is running from also happens to be the state’s only Scheduled Caste (SC) reserved seat. He is all set to contest from a renowned constituency for its alcoholic beverages.
Impact
Singh is already having a significant impact on the youth of Manipur in terms of mindset and confidence. Angom Ashakiran, a young voter, said to NDTV, “He is a youth who does things for the community. His agenda for the future generation, what he does impresses me a lot, that’s why I support him”. Whether Ningthoujam Popilal wins or loses, he seems to have youth attention in the state of political aspirations.
The political situation in Manipur seems to be in an exciting place as well. The removal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) continues to be a major demand while the ruling party, BJP, led by Chief Minister N Biren Singh, hopes to stay in power. Whether or not this political climate has room for an unconventional young candidate looking to make his mark remains to be seen.
