From opposition to acquiescence the 2015 district council elections in Manipur

Abstract

The debut of Nagaland People's Front in the 2015 district council elections in Manipur with the tacit support of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) and United Naga Council marks a change in Naga politics - a change from politics of opposition to politics of acquiescence. These elections also underscore a new pattern of localisation of politics, where localised ethnic agenda and armed groups have influenced the distribution of tickets and electoral outcomes. It is contended that this prevailing trend may redefine the electoral politics in the state and open up new sites of conflict in Manipur not only between the hills and valley people but also between hill communities.