A new regional political party, One North East, launched by Conrad Sangma and Pradyot Debbarman, aims to unite Northeast India under one platform for stronger representation and regional autonomy, excluding BJP allies ZPM, NDPP, and AGP.
In a landmark move that could redefine the political landscape of India’s Northeast, several prominent regional leaders on Tuesday announced the formation of a unified political front titled ‘One North East’. The announcement was made at a press conference held at the Constitution Club of India in New Delhi, marking a major stride toward regional political consolidation and collective representation.
The new platform, according to its founders, will contest elections across the north-eastern states under one flag, one symbol, and one ideology, aiming to provide a common political voice to the region. The initiative seeks to go beyond individual state politics and promote unity across the eight north-eastern states of India.
However, Mizoram’s ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), Nagaland’s Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), and Assam’s Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) — all of which are allied with the BJP — have opted out of the new alliance. Their absence underscores a clear political distinction between the emerging regional bloc and existing state-level parties aligned with national coalitions.
The meeting saw the participation of Meghalaya Chief Minister and National People’s Party (NPP) president Conrad K. Sangma, Tipra Motha founder Pradyot Kishore Debbarman, former Nagaland minister and ex-BJP spokesperson Mmhonlumo Kikon, and People’s Party Assam founder Daniel Langthasa. Together, they signed a joint statement formalizing the creation of the new front.
A Historic Step Toward Regional Unity
Describing the formation as a “historic step,” Conrad Sangma emphasized that ‘One North East’ is not merely an electoral alliance but a full-fledged political party designed to address long-standing issues such as underdevelopment, regional marginalization, and the quest for greater autonomy.
“For too long, leaders of the younger generation of the North East have spoken about the same issues from different platforms and political spaces. We now realize that our strength lies in unity,” Sangma said, reading from the joint statement. “It’s time to give our people a collective voice that truly represents our aspirations.”
Sangma noted that earlier attempts to create a pan-regional alliance had failed primarily because they were coalition-based and lacked the structure of a single political entity. “Unless a single party is formed, our ability to make decisive progress will remain limited,” he added.
Pradyot Debbarman Calls for Unity Beyond Ego and Ambition
Echoing Sangma’s sentiments, Tipra Motha chief Pradyot Kishore Debbarman said the new party’s goal is to move beyond personal ambitions and build a truly unified front that prioritizes the people’s interests.
“The North East faces multiple challenges—from governance and infrastructure deficits to complex border issues with neighboring countries. A unified regional party will allow us to articulate these concerns in a stronger and more coherent manner,” Debbarman said.
He further emphasized that the new party will represent not just the people living in the North East but also those residing in other parts of India. “We have seen how people from our region face discrimination and humiliation in metro cities. This party will stand beside them and ensure their voices are heard,” he asserted.
Nine-Member Committee to Frame Party Constitution
A nine-member steering committee has been formed to spearhead the party-building process, with NPP leader James Sangma serving as convenor. The committee’s primary tasks include drafting the party constitution, finalizing its political ideology, and designing its structural framework.
The committee will also reach out to other like-minded leaders, regional organizations, and intellectuals across the Northeast to broaden the movement’s base and vision.
Independent Path Ahead
When asked about potential electoral alliances, Conrad Sangma clarified that ‘One North East’ intends to contest elections independently. “The NPP has largely fought elections on its own, and Tipra Motha too has maintained its independence. We will continue that tradition under this new banner,” Sangma said.
He added that post-election alliances could be considered only if they align with the “best interest of the people.” Both Sangma and Debbarman refrained from commenting on future ties with national parties, stressing that the immediate goal was to strengthen regional unity and create a distinct political identity for the Northeast.
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“The journey has just begun,” Sangma concluded. “Our mission is to ensure that the voices of the North Eastern people are not only heard but also respected in the national discourse.”
