Several North East-based political parties on Tuesday started the process of a major merger to constitute a single pan-regional political outfit that shall contest elections independently. The leaders clarified that the party will represent the entire North East on the national stage and reflect the aspirations of the people.
According to the leaders, all the parties are driven by one agenda — the interest of the people. The announcement of the new political entity was made at the Constitution Club, New Delhi. Meghalaya’s ruling party NPP, led by Conrad Sangma, and Tripura’s Tipra Motha Party, founded by Tripura royal scion Pradyot Kishore Debbarman, emerged as major constituents in the new political formation.
Apart from these two leaders, Mmhonlumo Kikon, former BJP National Spokesperson and former Nagaland Minister, and Daniel Langthasa, founder of People’s Party Assam, are the key signatories in the joint statement issued under the banner of “One North East” — likely the name of the new political entity.
The maiden media briefing of the platform was addressed by Conrad K Sangma, National President of NPP, and Pradyot Kishore Debbarman, founder of Tipra Motha and current head of Tripura’s royal family.
Sangma read out the joint statement. Calling it a historic development, he said, “The leaders of different parties have decided to form a singular political entity that truly represents the aspirations of our people. For too long, the leaders of the younger generation of the North East have spoken about the same issues and concerns of our people from different platforms and political spaces. We have realised that our strength lies in unity and that it is time to give our people a collective voice.”
Echoing the same sentiment, Debbarman said, “The time has arrived when we should set aside our personal ambitions and ego to build a strong political platform which will have a pan-North East presence and act in the interest of the people of the North East. We in the North East have multifaceted problems. Apart from internal issues, we have long borders with neighbouring countries. So, we feel if we can come under a single roof, we will be able to articulate our views in a more cohesive manner.”
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When asked about previous attempts to constitute a pan-North East political alliance, Sangma said, “Such attempts had been made in the past. On some issues we moved forward, but many remained unaddressed. We genuinely feel that if a single political party is not formed, certain limitations will continue to hold us back, and some key issues shall remain unresolved.”
To a query on the formation of the party, its constitution, political principles and policies, Sangma replied: “A nine-member committee has been formed. James Sangma from the NPP has been appointed the convenor of the committee. This committee shall finalise the modalities and principles on which our new political party will act. Based on the recommendations of that committee, we shall move forward, and the merger process shall take place. This committee has also been empowered to involve other like-minded parties, individuals, and influential people who want to contribute to the new political entity.”
Asked about contesting elections and the relationship of Tipra Motha and NPP with their ally, the BJP, Sangma said, “NPP, barring one instance, fought elections on its own. Tipra Motha also fought elections independently. We shall definitely contest elections independently, but if the popular mandate is fractured, we will consider alliances to form the government. And if we get a majority of our own, we shall form the government independently.”
According to Sangma, the new party will contest elections with one flag and one symbol. He refrained from naming any other political party or clarifying how the new entity will maintain its relationship with the Centre.
On key issues, he said, “Tipra Motha has been fighting for land rights in the Sixth Schedule areas, tribal land alienation, and constitutional rights. All these issues will certainly be included when the nine-member committee deliberates to finalise the principles and objectives of the new party.”
Pradyot Kishore Debbarman added, “This party will also give a political voice to North Easterners living in metro cities. We have seen how people from the North East are often insulted and humiliated in metro cities. We, as a political party, will stand beside them and give them political support.”
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