Retired Colonel H Sarat Singh, an independent candidate fighting for the Inner parliamentary seat of Manipur, articulated a compelling narrative centered on the imperative need for substantive reform within the state.
In a departure from conventional campaign methodologies, the retired colonel highlighted the paramount importance of personal engagement and grassroots interaction over ostentatious displays of political prowess.
Unlike other candidates, Sarat was found sitting peacefully in his varanda alone without sign of any election atmosphere when a team of media went to interview him at his residence in Wangkhei, Imphal East.
According to Sarat, who described himself as a social reformer instead of a politician, the trends of election in Manipur, which is considered more of a festival, need to be changed to revive the Manipur society.
Distinguished by his resolute commitment to ethical governance and societal advancement, Sarat expounded upon his vision for a Manipur liberated from the pernicious influences of money and power.
Rather than succumb to the trends of election campaign with loud speaker, flag hoisting and publicity using money and muscle power, he emphasised the intrinsic value of one-on-one dialogue and sincere, heart-to-heart conversations with constituents.
The retired colonel’s decision to contest the election stemmed from a groundswell of support from various civil society organisations, signifying a collective aspiration for meaningful change.
Leveraging his military background, he has been actively engaged in equipping the youth with essential self-defense skills, thereby fortifying their resilience against the looming specter of narco-terrorism.
Furthermore, his enduring presence as a prominent columnist in local publications for over three decades unveiled his unwavering commitment to fostering informed public discourse and advocating for societal upliftment.
Identifying the inception of the ongoing crisis on May 3, 2023, as a pivotal moment of reckoning for Manipur, Sarat unequivocally attributed culpability to both past and present central administrations.
Highlighting the great need of discipline among all the people of Manipur to revive the society, he said that this MP election is the gateway to a new page of Manipur, if people wake up from this sinking ship (present system of Manipur).
Symbolising his candidacy with the motif of a “footballer with a ball,” the retired colonel encapsulates his aspirational vision of galvanising the people of Manipur towards a proactive and transformative agenda.
For him, electoral success transcends mere victory or defeat, it represents an unyielding commitment to effectuating tangible change and steering Manipur towards a brighter future.
