In the face of criticism, the BJP clarifies its stance on repealing AFSPA from Manipur

N Biren Singh, Chief Minister of Manipur, said ahead of the first phase of assembly elections there that his government's five years of rule had ensured peace in the state, and laid the groundwork for the repealing of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in the future.

In the course of its campaign and manifesto, the BJP has been criticized for its silence on AFSPA.

AFSPA repeal is a key election promise in Manipur for the other leading parties.

"We have a sensitive border with Myanmar. So, the Centre has to be convinced before lifting AFSPA. The peace talks process with rebel groups will pave the way for this. The state government will have to create the ground situation, and for the last five years, we have been working towards it. The last five years of the BJP led government has laid the foundation for the repeal of AFSPA in the future," On the last day of the election campaign, Chief Minister Biren Singh spoke to NDTV.

Manipur is holding the first phase of voting on February 28. Campaigning ends today.

During his campaigning in the state, Chief Minister Biren Singh held his trademark small meetings where he discussed electoral agendas with voters.

According to Mr Singh, the BJP is in the lead and will win at least 40 of the 60 seats. He also dismissed the possibility of leadership changes post-election.

"Manipur me koi khela nahi hoga. BJP ka khela hobe," borrowing the TMC election punchline in West Bengal, he said.

"Manipur is not Assam you see...but it is the tradition in BJP to not name the CM face before polling where we are in power. So, it's for the high command to decide and I am ready for the decision," In response to a question as to whether the BJP could bring in a new Chief Minister in Assam, Mr Singh said.

A dozen poll-related meetings a day have been held by Singh for the past month across the state. He has also added that the BJP is gaining widespread support and expects to win a two-thirds majority in the state and be able to form its own government.

"Only one goal is enough to win this political match," said the CM. He was once a footballer with the BSF, before becoming a journalist and editor for a Manipuri vernacular.

"BJP will get at least 40 seats out of 60, this is absolutely sure. There will not be any hung assembly and the opposition put together can at best get 20 seats," Mr Singh added.

According to the Chief Minister, the pre-poll violence in the state was caused by the opposition's "frustration" over the obvious support for the BJP.