The Election Commission of India on Thursday revised the polling dates for the upcoming assembly elections in Manipur. Voting in the northeastern state was originally scheduled to be held over two phases on February 27 and March 3, which has now been revised to February 28 and March 5 respectively. 

Results are set to be declared on March 10, along with the four other states – Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Goa – that will vote for new governments.

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In a statement, the ECI said that a team went to Manipur on Monday and Tuesday to review the election preparations in the state. It also said that the decision to revise the polling dates was based on inputs, representations, past precedent, logistics, ground situations and “all facts and circumstances in the matter”.

A number of tribal groups had requested the ECI to change the polling dates since the originally scheduled date for the first phase, Feb 27, fell on a Sunday – which would affect church services. 

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On January 18, the All-Manipur Christian Organisation (AMCO) had asked the ECI to revise the dates for the assembly elections in the state. 

“We earnestly appeal to the Election Commission to reschedule the first phase polling date to show solidarity and respect to the religious sentiment of the Christians,” the AMCO said in a statement. 

Christians comprise 41% of the state’s estimated 30 lakh population. 

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Recently, the EC had rescheduled date of Punjab poll from February 14 to February 20 following demands and the state government and various political parties.

Meanwhile, in its manifesto for the state, the BJP said it is preparing a “unique” election manifesto for the upcoming Manipur polls and will “not make any promise that will not be translated into action”.

Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, the ruling party’s in-charge for Manipur, said the BJP has held discussions with various stakeholders and set up a committee to draft the manifesto.