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Our Correspondent
Imphal, Jan. 23 (EMN): National People’s Party (NPP), a coalition partner in the BJP-led government in Manipur, released its 13-point manifesto named "Action Document 2022' in Imphal on Sunday for the upcoming Manipur Assembly elections on February 27 and March 3.
Manipur’s Deputy Chief Minister Yumnam Joykumar, who is the NPP’s national vice-president, along with party’s state working president L Jayantakumar Singh and youth front president Ratika Yumnam besides many intending candidates of the party, were present during the releasing function.
NPP National President Conard K Sangma and NPP Arunachal Pradesh president Mutchu Mithi also attended the manifesto releasing function through virtual mode.
Speaking on the occasion, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conard Sangma said the Action Document 2022 touched on all important aspects of the state. Terming it as a “unique document,” he said there are details of different aspects in different sectors. On the other hand, Deputy Chief Minister Joykumar highlighted the key points mentioned in the manifesto.
Promising a comprehensive and sustainable economic policy for a well-rounded and appropriate economic development of the state, the manifesto said that NPP will work towards the repeal of AFSPA from Manipur, adding that the NPP will focus on a dialogue process with insurgency groups and non-state actors for sustained peace.
NPP also promised quality education and not quantity outputs apart from introducing early childhood education. NPP will also ensure free prior informed consent of people when planning projects, it said.
In the health sector, it promised more budget for public health care and specialised health insurance schemes for the women and adolescent girls. Besides, it assured to formulate a comprehensive youth policy. It also promised to formulate an effective and workable power policy.
Later speaking to journalists, Y Joykumar said NPP is “very choosy in selecting candidates” and a meeting would be held on January 24 to announce the first list of candidates.
However, responding to a question, he said they’re planning to field around 40 candidates for the 60 seats. Stating that the driving force of the party would be youths and women in particular, he said that the party is expecting around 20 seats this time. In the last elections, NPP got four seats out of 60.
It may be mentioned that another ruling partner, Naga Peoples' Front (NPF) is planning to announce its candidates’ list by February 2.
The ruling BJP is also reportedly planning to announce the first list of candidates before January 25.Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh along with the state’s BJP chief A Sharda Devi and other party leaders have been camping in New Delhi since Saturday.
In 2017, Congress had emerged as the single largest party in the state by winning 28 seats. But BJP, which won 21 seats, formed the government with support of four NPP MLAs, four NPF MLAs and one MLA each from Trinamool Congress, Lok Janshakti Party and an Independent.