Meghalaya CM, Nagaland Ex-BJP Leader, TIPRA Motha Founder Form Political Front

New Delhi: After months of quiet discussions, three influential figures from the Northeast, Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K. Sangma, Tripura royal and TIPRA Motha founder Pradyot Manikya Debbarma, and former BJP spokesperson from Nagaland Mmhonlumo Kikon, have announced the formation of a new political entity aimed at uniting the region’s fragmented voices under one umbrella. The announcement was made at a press conference held at the Constitution Club of India in New Delhi, where the leaders formally launched the banner 'One Northeast', a platform they say will project a collective political identity and ensure that the region’s unique issues are represented at the national stage.

The new formation, described by its architects as a “unified political voice” for the Northeast, brings together several regional forces who believe that Delhi-centric politics often overlooks their aspirations. The initiative will soon be registered as a political party with its own symbol, a sign of intent to contest elections jointly across the eight states.

Taking to social media platform X, Meghalaya CM Sangma wrote:

“Today, young leaders from across our region have come together with one shared vision, to unite our voices and form a single political platform that truly represents the aspirations of our people.

"Inspired by the legacy of our great leaders, we are taking the first step toward building a strong, collective voice for the North East. A committee will be formed to chart the way forward.

"Together, we stand for a stronger, more united North East!”

Sangma’s National People’s Party (NPP) currently heads the ruling coalition in Meghalaya and is a partner of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in New Delhi. While Sangma has maintained cordial relations with the BJP, he has also been vocal at times about the need for greater autonomy for northeastern states. His participation in this new initiative indicates an effort to balance regional assertion with existing political alliances.

“There will be a new political sign and all local parties will come under one umbrella,” confirmed former BJP spokesperson Mmhonlumo Kikon in a conversation with The Wire. 

Kikon tendered his resignation from the Bharatiya Janata Party on August 7, 2025. He was the party’s only national spokesperson from the Northeast.

Common platform

The core leaders argue that the Northeast, despite its diversity, shares overlapping concerns: protection of land and resources, cultural identity, and equitable development. The entity plans to coordinate on policy, electoral alliances, and representation in Delhi, where, they say, the region’s voice often gets diluted. It also demanded that the Northeast find greater representation in the school syllabus as well.

“We want to become the voice of the Northeast, for people to know their representations and speak for their rights,” Kikon said.

However, Kikon was careful not to frame the initiative as a reaction to neglect from national parties. “I am not saying that we were ignored previously,” he noted, “but I believe that we will do better.”

Manipur

The Manipur crisis, now into its third year, looms large over the formation. CM Conrad Sangma has, on multiple occasions, expressed disappointment with how the situation was handled by the Centre.

When asked if this sentiment influenced the new initiative, Kikon responded: “It is a collective disappointment, not just one.”

The statement hints at a shared sense of frustration among Northeast leaders, not necessarily partisan, but deeply rooted in the perception that New Delhi failed to understand the region’s complexities.

What’s at stake

The coming together of these leaders could reshape electoral politics in the Northeast, especially ahead of the 2026 Assam elections. While the contours of the new formation are still being worked out, the coalition’s success will depend on its ability to reconcile state-specific interests and long-standing ethnic divides.

The idea of a single political front for the Northeast has surfaced before but rarely taken off due to local rivalries. This time, however, the prolonged unrest in Manipur, the stalled Naga peace process, and growing unease over resource control have created fertile ground for collaboration.

Whether 'One Northeast' can genuinely bridge the region’s internal fault lines remains to be seen. But for the first time in years, the idea of a pan-Northeast political identity is taking shape and born out.

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