New Delhi, Nov 4: In a landmark move aimed at fostering regional unity, several political parties from the North East have come together under a new banner — ‘One North East’ — to form a single, pan-regional political outfit. The announcement was made on Tuesday at the Constitution Club of India, New Delhi, in the presence of key leaders from across the region.
The new political formation seeks to represent the collective aspirations of the North East by contesting elections under one flag, one symbol, and one ideology. It marks an unprecedented step toward building a unified political identity that transcends state boundaries and party lines.
Among the principal architects of the new outfit are Meghalaya Chief Minister and NPP president Conrad K. Sangma and Tipra Motha founder and Tripura royal scion Pradyot Kishore Debbarman. They were joined by former BJP national spokesperson and ex-Nagaland minister Mmhonlumo Kikon and People’s Party Assam founder Daniel Langthasa, who signed a joint declaration committing to the merger process.
Addressing the media, Conrad Sangma described the initiative as a “historic step” toward regional self-reliance and unity. “For too long, leaders of the North East have spoken from different platforms about the same issues. Our strength lies in unity, and it is time to give our people a collective voice,” he said. Sangma clarified that ‘One North East’ would not merely be an electoral alliance but a full-fledged political party addressing critical regional issues such as underdevelopment, representation, and autonomy.
Echoing similar sentiments, Pradyot Kishore Debbarman said the time had come for North Eastern leaders to set aside personal ambitions. “The North East faces multifaceted challenges—from governance issues to border disputes. A unified regional party will allow us to present these concerns cohesively and assertively,” he stated. Debbarman added that the new outfit would also stand for North Easterners living across India who face discrimination and alienation.
To oversee the merger process, a nine-member committee headed by NPP leader James Sangma has been formed to draft the party’s constitution and framework while reaching out to other like-minded regional forces.
Responding to queries about alliances, Conrad Sangma said the new outfit would contest elections independently but remain open to post-poll options “in the best interest of the people.”
Debbarman concluded, “This is not just a political merger but an emotional unification. ‘One North East’ aims to give every Northeasterner a voice that is heard and respected across the nation.”
