Conrad Sangma in 'expansion' mode in north east .... ropes in former Naga MP Lorho S. Pfoze from Manipur :::: Is bigger politics on cards among regional parties in north east?

The NPP is in expansion mode.

NDPP-NPF working out merger !! Timing makes things curious !!

Is this a setback to the proposed much-hyped move of Neiphu Rio for merger between NPF and NDPP ?

Or is everything fine between chief ministers of Nagaland and Meghalaya and their individual ambitions or there is a bigger game vis-a-vis the BJP's future post 2029 elections ?

Recently in Nagaland, a number of  'sidelined' former BJP leaders joined Conrad Sangma's outfit.

And now at a function in Shillong, NPP chief Conrad (also Meghalaya CM) on Tuesday, Sep 15th, formally welcomed Dr Lorho S. Pfoze, former Lok Sabha MP from Outer Manipur, to the family of the NPP.

Lorho S. Pfoze was NPF MP from Outer Manipur between 2019 and 2024. In the parliamentary polls last year, Congress nominee Alfred Kan-Ngam Arthur defeated NPF candidate Kachui Timothy Zimik. 

This was largely seen as Christians preferring to reject BJP and its ally NPF in Naga-dominated Outer Manipur. 

Welcoming Lorho into the party fold, Conrad Sangma said -- "In spite of multiple challenges, the NPP has been able to reach out to every corner of the north east region. 

The party has built trust and is viewed as the actual platform where the people of the North East can come together and raise their voice".

He also added that Lorho will be an asset to the NPP in Manipur and will work closely to further NPP's mantra of 'One Voice, One North East'.

Lorho's move is a bit-surprising as it has come within days NDPP stalwart and Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio claimed the political journey of NDPP has been "100 per cent successful".

Moreover, Lorho as a Naga leader has decided to desert his parent party NPF at a time when a 'supposed tallest Naga leader' and with experience of 20 years in power as Naga CM is set to take the 'guardianship' of the Cock party.

One reason attributed for Lorho's move is that he does not want to work under present NPF president in Manipur -- Awangbow Newmai. Lorho Pfoze is from Senapati district and belongs to the Mao Naga community. he described his move to quit NPF as “certainly not an easy move”.  

Grapevine has it that Lorho was onetime close to NPF veteran Shurhozelie, who has retired from active politics due to age factor. 

Shurhozelie

Conrad Sanga said, the NPP expansion move and entry of a former lawmaker "is truly a moment to celebrate and work together to be the strong voice that raises our people's concerns unitedly."

A regionalist to the boot Dr Lorho quitting at this juncture and that too "to ensure his brighter prospects" either in 2028 assembly elections and may be before that as Manipur is under President's Rule does not go very well in Naga politics of 'regional outfits coming together'.

In somewhat a related development, an AICC Minority cell leader Rajesh Sethi (who handles Manipur matters) in a statement lambasted the NPF-NDPP merger move.

"The Congress party believes that instead of merger gimmicks, Rio should show statesmanship by pushing for an honourable and acceptable political solution. He should remember that power is temporary, but legacy is permanent." 

Lorho and Amit Shah

Lorho can always have his side of the story ... may be in certain details in weeks to come.

Speaking at the function wherein he joined NPP, Dr Lorho expressed his gratitude to the leadership of Conrad Sangma and stated that NPP should become the party for everyone in the North East, the indigenous people, and all the tribal communities.

"We, as indigenous communities, should work together in the region. The vision of late Purno Agitok Sangma is an inspiration for us all. His views were to reach out to all communities in this great nation. 

I look forward to working with this party. We will reach out to many communities and be as inclusive as possible, always abiding by truth and honesty."

Lorho's statement was interesting in more ways than one nevertheless.

Lorho also shares friendship with Nagaland Minister K. G. Kenye (who was Rajya Sabha MP in 2019 - thanks to Shurhozelie's decision).

Both these two MPs (of course in two different Houses) and also the likes of Agatha Sangma -- all were convinced by the BJP high command to vote in favour of the controversial CAA Bill. 

In 2019, as NPF MP in the Rajya Sabha Kenye voted in favour of the much controversial Citizens Amendment Act (CAA). But his voters in Chizami did not punish him in the battle of 2023. 

Rio helped him get the NDPP ticket from a seat which in 2018 was contested by BJP nominee Kevechutso Doulo -- and he put up a good show too.

In 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Conrad also got a mild shock when his sister Agatha lost their family traditional Tura seat to Saleng A. Sangma of Congress. 

And the margin was substantial - 1,55,241 votes.

Analysts again blamed Manipur clashes and alleged burning of Kuki churches. 

Politics is stranger than fiction. Conrad is proving it well that to remain static will be detrimental. 

ends