Kohima, March 6: The Congress party has set its sights on a political transformation in Nagaland, reaffirming its commitment to ending the rule of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) in the 2028 assembly elections. AICC Secretary and state in-charge Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka made this clear during a press conference on Wednesday, where he outlined the party’s roadmap for strengthening its presence in the state.

Ulaka emphasized the need for a new political direction in Nagaland, citing concerns over corruption, unemployment, and governance failures under the NDPP-BJP coalition. He revealed that Congress leaders are actively strategizing with the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) to expand the party’s grassroots network, conduct district-level tours, and identify strong candidates well ahead of the elections.

The Congress leader highlighted the party’s resurgence in the state following its significant victory in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The win, where Congress candidate S Supongmeren Jamir defeated NDPP’s Chumben Murry by a decisive margin of 50,984 votes, marked a political shift in Nagaland after two decades. According to Ulaka, this victory is a testament to the growing public trust in Congress’s leadership and vision for the state.

Criticism of NDPP-BJP Government

Launching a scathing attack on the ruling NDPP-BJP alliance, Ulaka accused the government of corruption and mismanagement, which he claimed had stalled the state’s development. He alleged that a "20 percent commission" culture has taken root, affecting public services and governance. Additionally, he raised concerns about rising unemployment, inadequate educational infrastructure, and skyrocketing prices of essential commodities, all of which, he argued, reflect the failure of the current administration.

Ulaka also praised the governance of former Chief Minister SC Jamir, asserting that Nagaland deserves a leadership that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and development. Confident in the Congress party’s vision, he expressed optimism that both Nagaland and the Centre would witness a regime change in the upcoming 2028 and 2029 elections.

Congress’s Plan for the Future

To ensure a strong political comeback, the Congress has outlined a three-month plan focused on organizational restructuring. This includes forming key committees, mobilizing grassroots support, and engaging with local communities to understand their needs and concerns.

NPCC President and newly elected Lok Sabha MP S Supongmeren Jamir also backed Ulaka’s leadership, stating that his experience would be instrumental in shaping the future of Congress in Nagaland. He reaffirmed the party’s pledge to provide a corruption-free government that prioritizes people’s welfare and long-term development.

With a renewed sense of purpose and growing public support, the Congress is gearing up for an intense political battle, aiming to bring a fresh wave of leadership to Nagaland in 2028.