Digital Desk: A lady 'super cop' in Manipur who took on the state's drug cartel is now running against the BJP in the forthcoming assembly elections. Home Minister Amit Shah was spotted canvassing for her at the Yaiskul Assembly constituency in Imphal East.
Brinda Thounaojam, the lady 'super cop' is being viewed as a candidate with a unique perspective. Her father-in-law led an armed rebellion against the state, yet she worked for the Manipur police as an exceptional officer on a drug-busting mission. She resigned from the police force following a disagreement with Chief Minister N Biren Singh, whom she accused of assisting a drug lord. She is now running on a JD(U) ticket against the BJP's incumbent MLA and current Manipur law minister Thokchom Satyabrata Singh.
43-year-old Brinda Thounaojam has a cult following among young people. She is a distinguished officer who rose to prominence after a high-profile case in which she confiscated narcotics worth over Rs. 27 crore in 2018. As deputy head of the Manipur police, she oversaw the functioning of the anti-narcotics section.
The Biren Singh administration honoured her with a bravery award the same year.
Ms Thounaojam, on the other hand, returned the award in 2020 following a falling out with the Chief Minister. She accused him of assisting in the acquittal of the main defendant in the same narcotics case.
Her popularity is thought to be the reason why the Union Home Minister felt compelled to campaign for the BJP candidate. She appears unconcerned, however.
"I take it as a compliment that the BJP's sitting Minister needed the Union Home Minister to campaign against me. My fight is against the drug menace and corruption. As a cop, I was not able to do much for the people. I want to create an impact in the state assembly," she said.
The JD(U) candidate has faced hardship before. She resigned from the army in 2016, alleging harassment and suspicion as the daughter-in-law of RK Meghen, the head of a banned militant organisation.
Her fans believe she has a lot of potential.
"Eche (sister) exemplifies the characteristics of a youth leader. She understands what the youth desire, and we hope she will give "Sukumar, a young fan, said up.
Gangland Devrani Devi, another admirer, stated that Ms Thounaojam "has always battled corruption," which is a major issue in the state.
In 2017, Irom Sharmila Chanu, the "Iron Lady of Manipur," who completed a historic 16-year fast to make her political debut in protest of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), had widespread support from the young, but this did not transfer into votes.
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