IMPHAL/UKHRUL: The newly registered People’s Reformation Party (PRP) on Thursday formally announced its formation and outlined its political vision for Manipur, saying it would seek to bring a change in the standards of public life rather than merely replacing existing political faces.
Speaking at the party’s first press interaction following its registration with the Election Commission of India, PRP president Mangsatabam Andy said the party does not claim that Manipur can be transformed simply by creating a new political party.
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“The real difference must ultimately be demonstrated by the people we put forward, the standards we follow, the way we govern and, above all, the results,” Andy said.
He said the PRP intends to field fresh candidates in the 2027 Manipur Assembly election after a due-diligence and suitability process. According to the party, candidature will be selective even though membership may remain open.
Andy said the backgrounds, credentials, public records, financial interests and other relevant disclosures of the party’s office-bearers and candidates should remain open to public scrutiny.
“Trust must be earned through due diligence, not demanded on the basis of slogans,” he said.
The PRP also outlined commitments to public service, political-finance transparency and discouraging opportunistic switching of parties by elected representatives during their term, subject to the Constitution, law and the rights of elected representatives.
On political funding, the party said it would use lawful and properly accounted funds and seek to maintain the highest possible level of transparency consistent with the law.
The party also said it would seek to be judged by measurable work and results rather than political rhetoric, while pursuing its stated priorities within constitutional, legal, financial and administrative limitations.
On its electoral strategy, Andy said the PRP plans to field candidates in 40 Assembly constituencies in the valley.
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He further said that if the party fails to secure a majority, it would remain in the Opposition and would not seek either a pre-poll or post-poll alliance.
“We are not interested in a pre-poll or post-poll alliance. We will never be in a coalition,” Andy said.
On the prevailing perception that the State lacks sufficient resources, Andy said such a narrative could demoralise the people of Manipur and should not be allowed to become an accepted premise.
He said the PRP believes such an approach is not acceptable and that the State’s resources and potential should instead be addressed through better governance and responsible public administration.
The PRP said its political approach is based on the belief that Manipur requires a change in the standards of public life, with candidates expected to demonstrate integrity, suitability and responsibility before seeking electoral mandates.
