The Congress party in Nagaland is taking major steps toward reinventing itself, focusing on youth engagement, grassroots mobilization, and strategic expansion. Senior Congress leaders, including All India Congress Committee (AICC) Secretary in charge of Nagaland, Christopher Tilak, and Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) President, Lok Sabha MP S. Supongmeren Jamir, recently met with party workers at the District Congress Committee (DCC) office in Mokokchung to discuss the party’s future.
The meeting was attended by key NPCC leaders, including NPCC Working President Khriedi Theunuo, Ketseiyie Mere (President of DCC Kohima), and other senior party officials. The discussion revolved around the Congress party’s strategy to regain political relevance in Nagaland, particularly in light of the 2028 state elections.
During the session, the leaders stressed the importance of reconnecting with voters, particularly the youth and women, who play a crucial role in shaping electoral outcomes. They called for a revival of Congress’ grassroots presence and urged workers to actively engage with local communities to understand their concerns better.
Congress Calls for Party Reinvention and Stronger Youth Representation
Addressing party members, AICC Secretary Christopher Tilak emphasized the need for the Congress party to reinvent itself in Nagaland to align with the aspirations of young voters. He highlighted that the youth and women are becoming the driving forces behind electoral changes and must be actively involved in shaping the party’s vision.
“The Congress party must evolve to reflect the aspirations of India’s youth. We need to provide a platform where their voices are heard and their ideas are implemented,” Tilak said.
He urged party workers to focus on grassroots-level engagement, employment opportunities, and inclusive development to gain the trust of the younger generation.
Former NDPP Youth Leaders Join Congress, Strengthening the Party’s Base
In a major political shift, several prominent youth leaders from the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) joined the Congress party during the event. The leaders who officially joined Congress included:
- Alemtuba Imsong – Former Mokokchung Municipal Council candidate from Sangtemla Ward
- Tiasunep – Former Vice President of the NDPP Youth Wing
- Imsuwapang Jamir – Former Youth President of Sangtemla Unit
Welcoming them into the party, Christopher Tilak urged them to work diligently for Nagaland’s development under the secular and inclusive values of the Indian National Congress. He assured them that the party would provide a dynamic political platform for young leaders who aspire to bring meaningful change in the state.
The move is seen as a major boost for Congress in Nagaland, as the party seeks to build a new leadership team that prioritizes the concerns of the state’s youth and marginalized communities.
Congress’ Roadmap for the 2028 Elections
The Congress party leadership laid out a roadmap for the 2028 state elections, emphasizing the importance of unity, early preparation, and grassroots mobilization.
Christopher Tilak compared the role of Congress workers to salt, stating that they should “add value to the collective effort” of rebuilding the party in Nagaland.
Meanwhile, Lok Sabha MP S. Supongmeren Jamir stressed the importance of strategic preparation and leadership that truly connects with voters. He urged party leaders to identify their strengths and take on roles that best serve the party’s mission in Nagaland.
He also criticized the central government’s suspension of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the Indo-Myanmar border, calling it a “painful re-balkanization of the Naga family.” The decision, which has impacted cross-border travel and cultural exchanges between Nagas on both sides of the border, has been met with strong opposition from regional leaders.
Jamir emphasized that the Congress party must take a strong stand against policies that hurt the interests of the Naga people.
Congress’ Stand Against BJP’s Majoritarian Politics
Speaking at the event, NPCC Working President Khriedi Theünuo reaffirmed Congress’ commitment to transitioning from the opposition to governance in Nagaland. He highlighted Mokokchung’s historical role in Nagaland’s political, educational, and religious transformation and called upon Congress workers to take inspiration from the town’s legacy.
He also criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for promoting divisive politics that threaten the cultural and social fabric of Nagaland. He urged party workers to resist the BJP’s majoritarian agenda, which he argued could marginalize certain communities.
“The Congress party stands for unity, inclusivity, and democratic values. We must work together to counter any attempts to divide our people,” Theünuo stated.
The Congress party’s renewed focus on youth engagement, grassroots activism, and inclusive governance marks a major step toward its political resurgence in Nagaland. The entry of former NDPP youth leaders into the party is expected to strengthen Congress’ base and help it gain momentum ahead of the 2028 state elections.
By emphasizing strategic reinvention, early preparation, and community-driven policies, the Congress party hopes to reconnect with Nagaland’s electorate and present itself as a viable alternative to the ruling government.
The success of this revival strategy will depend on the party’s ability to engage with voters at a deeper level, address their key concerns, and build a strong leadership team that truly represents the aspirations of the people of Nagaland.
