In a historic political alliance, leaders from Nagaland's ruling parties, including Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton and Minister Temjen Imna Along of the BJP, joined forces with the NPF, NPP and BJP Manipur to bolster the campaign of their consensus candidate, Kachui Timothy Zimik of the NPF, for the II-Outer Manipur PC.
This rare display of political unity was aimed at rallying against the former Congress government, which they claim neglected the Northeastern states.
During the campaign held on Thursday at Leipung Tampak in Chandel district, Deputy CM of Nagaland Y Patton addressed the spirited gathering and lauded PM Modi's transformative initiatives aimed at fostering development in the Northeast.
Highlighting the neglect of development in Northeast states under the Congress regime, he contrasted this with the progress seen under the NDA government led by PM Modi.
Patton highlighted the PM's 72 visits to the region and the increased engagement of Union Ministers as evidence of the NDA government's commitment to regional progress.
He also emphasised the people of Nagaland's rejection of Congress over the past 15 years, urging Manipur residents to follow suit.
"For Nagaland, all 60 legislators have pledged their support to the consensus candidate," he declared, encouraging Manipur voters to elect Zimik, asserting that his victory would amplify the collective voice of the Northeast in the Parliament.
The candidate Zimik, addressing the gathering, emphasised the critical need for peace in Manipur to ensure progress.
"We have many communities living together in peace, but recent events have disrupted this harmony," he lamented.
Zimik called for collective action to resolve the ongoing issues, stressing that peace is indispensable for inclusive development.
Highlighting the strategic significance of Chandel and Tengnoupal as gateways to India's Act East Policy, Zimik outlined plans for their development.
He advocated for the creation of special economic zones, improved road connectivity, and better infrastructure linking these districts to Kamjong and Ukhrul.
"Your concerns and views will be considered in the delimitation process," he assured, urging residents to foster a business-friendly environment for economic growth.
The campaign also saw the participation of NPF president and minister Awangbow Newmai, BJP MLA SS Olish, NPP MLA Janghemlung Panmei, NPF advisor D Korungthang, and LDA chairman M Asnikumar, among other prominent leaders from the BJP, NPF, and NPP, Manipur.
They collectively voiced their endorsement, emphasising the need for Manipur voters to prioritise regional growth, representation, and collaborative governance.
