New Beginning? Irom Sharmila Of Manipur Launches Political Party

The 'Iron Lady' of Manipur has embarked on a fresh journey by floating a new political outfit, throwing an open challenge to current Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh.

Irom Sharmila, who made the announcement at the Imphal Press Club, said she would contest from two constituencies - Thoubal and Khurai. While Khurai is her home constituency, Thoubal is constituency of the current chief minister.

The launch of People’s Resurgence Justice Alliance comes after she ended 16-year-old hunger strike in August this year. She had expressed her wish to become the chief minister of the state to pursue her battle to get AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act) repealed from Manipur.

Sharmila had also said at that time that she wants to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and is expecting "good advice" from him.

However, Sharmila’s announcement belies her naivety. Winning an election, leave aside becoming a chief minister, is no easy task.