With Assam assembly elections scheduled for early next year, the launch of a new regional platform – One North East (ONE), has stirred political debate in the state.
The initiative, announced on Tuesday by Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K. Sangma, TIPRA Motha chief Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma, former Nagaland minister Mmhonlumo Kikon, and People’s Party of Assam founder Daniel Langthasa, aims to build a united voice for northeastern issues within the national political space.
The founders said a nine-member committee will be formed to draft the platform’s constitution, symbol, flag, and vision within 45 days.
While the leaders stressed that ONE is not intended as a rival to existing alliances, its emergence has triggered speculation, especially as both NPP and TIPRA Motha are part of the BJP-led NEDA alliance.
Congress leader Debabrata Saikia called the announcement a sign of “growing resentment among tribal leaders” toward the BJP, accusing the ruling party of pursuing policies that have alienated indigenous communities.
However, BJP leaders dismissed concerns, saying the platform will not affect the party’s prospects in Assam.
AJP chief Lurinjyoti Gogoi said it was too early to judge the new front, but added that it reflects shifting political sentiments in the region as the state prepares for a high-stakes electoral battle.
