Imphal, Nov 22: Meghalaya Chief Minister and NPP chief Conrad K Sangma on Monday kicked-off the election campaign for the Manipur Assembly Elections 2022 from Aba Ground in Kshetrigao Constituency, with a campaign meeting for party candidate Sheikh Noorul Hassan, who will be contesting for the upcoming elections.
We kick-off our election campaign for #Manipur from Aba Ground in Kshetrigao Constituency with a campaign meeting for party candidate Sheikh Noorul Hassan, who will be contesting at the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly in 2022. Grateful for the love shown by the people. pic.twitter.com/uRErAINIFe
— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) November 22, 2021
He was accompanied by Meghalaya MLAs Thomas A. Sangma and Marcuise Marak, along with Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Joykumar Singh, Manipur MLAs Jayanta Kumar and N Kayisii and other party workers for election meetings in Imphal.
We are starting strong in our 1st campaign in Manipur with the support of Dy CM, Manipur Sh. Joykumar Singh, Manipur MLAs Jayanta Kumar, N Kayisii and Meghalaya MLAs Thomas Sangma and @marcuisemarak. pic.twitter.com/XfuVnRJwuM
— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) November 22, 2021
The NPP chief addressed two election rallies – one for Kshetrigao Constituency and the other for Yaiskul Constituency, where Huidrom Vikramjit Singh is the party candidate.
Both the meeting saw huge support for the meeting.
At Soudongpung Lampak to campaign for Huidrom Vikramjit Singh, our intending candidate for 14-Yaiskul Assembly Constituency. Astounding support here too. The enthusiastic air in Manipur is waving the NPP flag high! pic.twitter.com/yXjqiTL17i
— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) November 22, 2021
Speaking at the rally, Sangma said the National People’s Party (NPP) is of the strong conviction that the people of Manipur will bestow its support to NPP even as he stressed that NPP as a party is working for the overall issues and concerns of Northeast.
He said that NPP is committed to further work for growth and development of Northeast.
He sought people’s mandate in Manipur to ensure that the objective of NPP to unitedly work for Northeast is achieved.
“We have a vision for Manipur, Northeast and their entire region. To realise our dreams, we need our party to be strengthened. Election in Manipur gives us an opportunity to seek people’s mandate to take our agenda forward…,” he said.
He also stressed that for the voice of the North East to be heard in New Delhi, a common front or what he referred to as ‘Political alignment’ was required whereby 10-15 MPs from one party need to be present in the Parliament. Only then can the region seek its rights in terms of policies and opportunities for the youth, for the people.
“Political alignment – we need to send 10-15 MPs from one political party to the party to make our voices and demands heard for better policies for the region, which will help our youth with employment opportunities and international trade and development…,” he said.
He further observed that the political scenario in Manipur has a huge vacuum, and NPP is in the best position to fill this vacuum.
“People of Manipur are looking for alternative and people wants NPP to be single largest party. We are confident people will give their mandate to NPP,” he added.
To realise our vision for the NE and to take its agenda forward we need the support of the people. The people of Manipur are looking for a regional alternative with a national voice and they want NPP to be the single largest party. We are confident of people’s support for NPP. pic.twitter.com/dO2rF5M8s2
— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) November 22, 2021
At the same time, he also pressed on that NPP is fighting for the unique culture of the region, and that has been a reason why the party has found success.
“Yes, we are part of India, yes we are Indians but we have our own challenges, we have our own cultures, we are unique in our own way and that is the message that the NPP understands and that is the message we are giving the country and that is what we are fighting for. This is why today in all of North East the people of the North East have started believing in National People’s Party. And that is the reason National People’s Party is growing at an exponential rate. And this is because of the support we get from each and every one of you. And I want to assure you that we will continue to keep North East at the top of our agenda,” he exhorted.
Improving the economy of the region
Sangma also urged the people to see the region’s international borders as opportunities. At the same time he urged the people of the region to work hard to improve the economy of the region and not be dependent on someone else, as no one will come to their aid.
“We need to change the situation with the current export of the North East, which is just one percent of the country’s total export… and we ourselves need to change this, no one else will do it. And till the point we do not work together, our dream of getting the economy of the North East at par with the rest of the country will not be possible… The international borders with the North East shares should be looked at as export potentials… we need to use this to our advantage and see as an opportunity… an opportunity for export and international trade… this is what NPP stands for,” Sangma said.
