CM N Biren Singh wins from Heingang seat by 18,000 votes

Manipur Assembly election result: Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh wins from the Heingang seat.

Manipur's incumbent chief minister N Biren Singh of the BJP won from the Heingang seat against Congress rival P Sharatchandra by nearly 18,000 votes.

Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh receives his victory certificate from the returning officer on Thursday.(HT Photo)

According to last updated data from the Election Commission's website, the ruling BJP that contested solo in the northeastern state in leading in 21 seats, while the Congress is ahead in three seats. 

Live updates on Manipur poll results

The National People's Party is leading in seven seats and the Naga Peoples Front in four. So far, trends are available for 41 of 60 seats.

The newly formed Kuki People's Alliance is leading in one seat, while Independent candidates are ahead in two seats.

Earlier in the day, Biren Singh offered prayers for the future of the state and its development.

"I have prayed to God, that the coming five years would be tantamount to the last 5 years with peace and development and that BJP forms government with full majority," the Manipur CM told reporters.

Counting of votes for 60 assembly seats in Manipur began at 8am on Thursday under tight security and strict adherence to Covid-19 protocols, officials said. Election was held in the state in two phases on February 28 and March 5.