IMPHAL, January 29: The nomination papers submitted by Congress party nominee Abdul Salam was declared to be valid after the scrutiny process was completed.
The scrutiny was held at the Manipur Legislative Assembly at around 11.30 am today. O Nabakeshore, the state Chief Electoral Officer, supervised the conduct of the procedures as election observer while Y Indira performed her duties as the returning officer.
Chief minister O Ibobi, deputy CM Gaikhangam, Speaker Th Lokeshwar and agriculture minister Nasir were among the dignitaries that were present when the scrutiny was being carried out.
As things stands, Abdul Salam will be officially recognised as the new representative for the state’s lone seat in the Upper House, provided he does not withdraw his nomination paper. The date for withdrawal of nomination paper is January 31, 2014. Voting for RS will be held all over India on February 7, 2014.
Speaking on the sidelines, Abdul Salam stated that the Congress party is a secular party. There are seven Assembly constituencies in Thoubal district with considerable Muslim voters who cannot stand in the Lok Sabha elections but are allowed to cast their votes.
He said that after becoming an MP of the Rajya Sabha he will work in the interest of the people of Manipur, especially the minority people. He promised to raise every public issue related to the state at the floor of House.