Eknath Shinde Plans Manipur Visit as Shiv Sena Eyes Assembly Seats

Imphal: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde plans a trip to Manipur in the second week of October. He aims to perform a bhoomi puja at the Koubru Leikha Temple in Kangpokpi district. The century-old structure suffered heavy damage during the ethnic violence that broke out in May 2023. Party state president M Tombi Singh confirmed the visit following a request from local leadership.

Shiv Sena is moving into Manipur politics. The party intends to field candidates in 25 to 30 seats during the Assembly elections next year. North East in-charge Parminder Singh confirmed the move. "We are contesting the elections. There is no doubt about it. Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) will be contesting 25 to 30 seats in upcoming Manipur elections," he told reporters.

The party pushed for immediate peace and normalcy in the state. They also demanded the government implement the National Register of Citizens before the census. Leaders insisted that the upcoming vote must be free and fair. The ongoing conflict between Meitei and Kuki communities has hit hard. At least 306 people have died. Another 49 remain missing, and thousands are displaced.