Two BJP allies to float outfit in North-East

Leaders of two parties in the Northeast, including Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma’s National People’s Party (NPP) and Tipra Motha Party, on Tuesday announced setting up of a new political entity to raise issues of the region.

The announcement was made at a press conference here by Sangma and Tipra Motha leader Pradyot Deb Barma. The outfit would come up in the next 45 days after deliberations with all the constituents, Sangma said, adding they would also reach out to other parties and leaders of the Northeast.

Former BJP spokesperson Mmhonlumo Kikon will also be a part of the proposed entity.

A joint statement said the “younger generation leaders of Northeast feel it is time to give people a collective voice".

“We are not here to pick a fight with anyone, but to fight for the rights of our people,” said Barma, echoing the same sentiment as expressed by Sangma.

Both leaders highlighted the need for a collective political effort to address the aspirations of the Northeast. They said groundwork for the alliance was already underway.

India