LB Sona kicks off drive in style
Source: The Sangai Express / S Singlianmang Guite

Lamka, March 31 2009: Show-down for the State's Outer Parliamentary seat has begun with all the candidates passing the scrutiny held at Thoubal's DC Office.

Immediately after clearing the scrutiny NCP candidate LB Sona began flexing his muscle and embarked on an extensive motorcade rally which wound up late in the evening.

With hundreds of vehicles flaunting the NCP and three other regional parties, Sona and his supporters took their flying-campaign to the streets of Thoubal, Kakching, Sugnu, Sagang, Moirang and Imphal.

NCP workers on a motorcade rally with party candidate LB Sona marking the kick off campaign for the candidate

In many places the locals accorded a warm reception to the NCP candidate includi including leaders of various political parties that are supporting him.

In almost all the rally paths, a pot filled with water and draped with flowers, decorated mostly with NCP flag and by-standers flaunting the same flag was a common sight.

Walking out from the RO's office after making through the scrutiny, Congress candidate Thangso Baite and NCP's Sona congratulated each other and exchange few words of courtesy.

As they parted their ways a charismatic and ecstatic Sona said the, 'the real battle begins now,' and headed for his waiting supporters.

Baite however presented the media a composed reaction.

'Today is a day for scrutiny, there is no need to rush anything,' he meekly said when asked why there are no visible congress flags and supporters in sight.

In fact, some cabinet ministers in the SPF government were seen accompanying the congress candidate.

Another party that flaunts their flag visibly outside the office of Thoubal DC was the PDA, the party sitting MP Mani Charenamei has opted this time.

Hectic preparations were underway here since today for a Congress rally on April 2, which in all likelihood will be address by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

The state security establishment under the supervision of IG Law and Order-II C Doungel and IG (intelligence) LM Khaute were busy arranging a full-proof security for the visiting dignitary while party workers were frantic about hosting Rahul for the first time.

Rahul Gandhi is set to address congress workers at Tuibuang, from the same pavilion his mothers address the same people during the last assembly election.