Thoubal sources have stated that with just one week left for Manipur elections, Thoubal is right now the most keenly watched seat in the assembly polls where activist turned politician Iron Sharmila is taking on three time Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh. Far from being dismissive of her, he had said, he too began his political career as an independent. But Iron Sharmila wants to be the Chief Minister now.
"I want to be Chief Minister of Manipur and bring real democracy and real true relationship between people and ruler," said Irom Sharmila on her campaign trail. She is single minded. But her party Peoples' Resurgence and Justice Alliance (PRJA) has fielded candidates in only three out of 60 seats. So the math doesn't add up. And her meetings in people's courtyards or at street corners are thinly attended.
Ibobi Singh had added that voters are divided, and sharply. One of them said he had no idea who she was. "I have heard her name but I have never seen her or heard people talking about her," a young man said. Another man, however, is sure Iron Sharmila will win. "Ibobi will lose".
Even Irom Sharmila's own party PRJA is talking of moral victory and the next polls. "She has struggled campaigning in Thoubal for various reasons. But this is just our first foray into electoral politics. Five years later, I am quite confident we are going to be a much larger party," Erendro Leichombam, convener and candidate of the party had said.
