Imphal, October 16: Dr Sapam Budhichandra of Congress (1) has teen elected from the Konthoujam Kendra in this state Assembly constituency defeating his nearest rival K Ranbir of the Manipur People's Party by a margin of 1963 votes.

Receptions of Dr Budhichandra were held at the Congress office and CPI office today afternoon.

Speaking at the reception at the Congress office the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi said the victory heralds the victory of democracy and peace.

The people have shown that they do not want violence.

He further reminded of the boycott of elections by various organizations.

The residence of Budhichandra was also attacked by unknown gunmen.

Under tight security the by poll was conducted.

The Chief Minister further assured to fulfill the promises made to the people of Konthoujam.

Dr Budhichandra said he will try to work for the development of his constituency.

Roads are in a bad shape in his constituency he said.

He also said the elections were held in an unprecedented scenario.

He said he will continue to work for peace and development.

Solving insurgency is also high on the agenda.

He said he never thought of getting any ministerial berth and it is the prerogative of the Chief Minister to decide who should be given ministerial portfolio.

A reception was also held at the Communist Party of India office.

N Mangi Minister Commerce and Industries, P Parijat Minister Agriculture, M Nabadwip, B Sharma state secretary were present.

Parijat said the success of Budhichandra means relations between the Congress and the CPI are good.

The SPF government is still strong he said and the coalition government will continue.

N Mangi said we should discuss the AFSPA in open forum.

He said the underground organizations of Manipur should come out for talks.

The counting of votes was delayed today morning as the key to the strong room was not traceable.

However around 9 am preparations had started for the counting of votes.

A little after 11 am, the certificate was given to Dr S Budhichandra.

The bye-election to this Assembly constituency was held as Dr T Meinya Singh vacated the seat following his election to the Lok Sabha.

Out of the total number of 20662 votes polled, Dr S Budhichandra got 6402 votes while his nearest rival K Ranbir of the MPP managed to get 4439.Independent candidates Soraisam Ibobi Singh and Shamom Nabakumar Meetei who received 3744 and 2647 stood third and fourth respectively.

Heigrujam Thoithoi piled 2547 while Angom Manihar polled 884 votes respectively.

Dr Budhichandra, who has been a general secretary of the MPCC (I) since 2000, had earlier contested from the same assembly constituency the seventh and eighth Assembly elections as INC candidate.

A Doctor by profession Dr Budhichandra was the head of department of Radio diagnosis in many government hospitals of the state before he took voluntary retirement in the year 1999 after 27 years of government service.

Born on March 1, 1949 to S Mani Singh and the late Sapam Ongbi Konthoujam Angoubi Devi, Dr Sapam Budhichandra attended Konthoujam IP School, Awang Khunou ME School, Johnstone Higher Secondary School, DM College, Assam Medical College, AIIH and PH Calcutta, Institute of Medical Sciences (BHU), Freiberg University, Germany.

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