Imphal, Jan 28 - Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh Saturday said he is expecting his Congress party to win a minimum of 35 seats in the 60-member assembly, voting for which continues peacefully across the state.

"I am expecting that the Congress party would secure around 45 seats. But 35 is the minimum number we are winning," Okram Ibobi Singh told IANS after casting his vote.

Along with his legislator wife Landhoni Devi, Idobi Singh cast his vote around 7.30 a. m. at the polling booth in Thoubal Aphokpam Lower Primary School in Khangabok constituency. Landhoni Devi is the sitting legislator from Khangabok.

"The voting percentage is likely to be over 80 percent. People would come out despite the militants' threat as it is a democratic exercise that comes after every five years and no one wants to miss it," the two-time chief minister of the state said. (IANS)