Charenamei spins winning mantra as Independence candidate
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Pamreiso Shimray
Ukhrul, March 12 2014 :
For the former Lok Sabha MP Mani Charenamai, the winning mantra in the ensuing parliamentary polls lies in joining the hustings as independent candidate -- unburdened by party-based
manifestoes.
In a daylong political conference held in Ukhrul town hall, former MP Mani Charenamei made a lukewarm impression by luring the public with an introductory speech delivered
in Tangkhul dialect.
"Naga votes were divided when I contested under Peoples Democratic Alliance (PDA) in the 15th Lok Sabha elections," he stated.
"People from different communities voted for me in my first election...and I was elected convincingly," recalled Charenamei.
In his attempt for re-election in 2009 where he was defeated by Congress candidate Thangso Baite, the former MP stated that there was less response in his favour from Naga electorates.
A politician who was intensely vocal on "Naga integrity" during his stint as MP, Charenamei said that the "tribal issues and their rights" are his top priorities this time.
Former parliamentarian also informed the gathering that he had turned down offers to join political parties like Indian National Congress (INC) and NPF.
"...was approached by senior Congress leaders...and NPF with an option to contest on their tickets...but I rejected them all a number of times," he revealed.
A political conference organised to bolster Charenamei's poll campaign, however, drew a poor response from the Ukhrul public.