Imphal, Feb 27 (UNI) The ruling Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) were running neck and neck in Manipur with both chalking up victories in three seats each of the ten seats results of which had been declared so far.

The RJD carved a niche for itself in this North Eastern state, giving the Congress a tough time. Its candidate Hellaluddin Khan was a giant killer as he humbled Speaker Maniruddin Sheikh of the Congress by a margin of 280 votes in Lilong assembly constituency.

Of the ten seats declared till now, the Congress and the RJD bagged three each, while the NCP romped home in two and the Congress' partner CPI and the Manipur People's Party (MPP) one each.

Among the heavyweights, who had booked a seat in the ninth Assembly, were Congress president president Gaikhangam, who was reelected from 54 Nungba AC constituency, defeating his nearest rival Gangmumei Kamei (Independent) by a margin of 5000 votes, and MPP's O Joy, one of the seniormost members of the House, who retained his Langthabal seat, defeating Rebika Naoren of the NCP by 1500 votes.

According to the trends available, the Congress and the NCP were surging ahead, while the Independents were leading in two seats.

UNI