Published: Thursday, Jan 19, 2012, 8:00 IST
By Prasanta Mazumdar | Place: Manipuri | Agency: DNA
The former Churchill Brothers skipper is contesting the January 28 polls in Manipur, wearing Trinamool Congress colours. He will kick the poll ball from Naga rebel leader Thuingleng Muivah’s turf Ukhrul constituency. Somdal, Muivah’s native village, falls under this constituency.
Somatai (38) represented India twice in the Nehru Cup in 1992-93 and 97-98. Apart from Churchill Brothers, he played for Mahindra and Mahindra and Kolkata giants East Bengal and Mohun Bagan before hanging up his boots in 2006.
The former midfielder is up against none other than his cousin and sitting Independent MLA, Danny Shaiza. Danny, the son of former chief minister, the late Yangmaso Shaiza, has held the seat thrice on the trot.
Nagaland’s ruling Naga People’s Front, which is making a debut in Manipur, also holds sway here, especially after the influential United Naga Council decided on lending its support to it. The Congress, a powerhouse in the valley, has set up Alfred K Arthur, a product of Delhi’s St. Stephen’s College.
“I know it is entirely a different ball game. But I have the confidence,” Somatai told DNA. “I am sure I will win. I have done my homework well,” he said.
Somatai is immensely popular among youngsters in Ukhrul. He said he would cash in on their support.
“You need people’s mandate to win elections. I am confident I will get the votes of the youths,” Somatai said. He claimed his cousin, who is contesting as a BJP candidate, could not live upto the expectations of people.
“The people will also reject Congress because it has spoiled the image of politicians,” he observed.
Political analysts say it will be a battle between experience and exuberance when Somatai takes on his ‘saffron’ cousin.
“He is young and energetic. So, the younger Shaiza could well defeat the elder Shaiza riding on his popularity,” they said.
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