Manipur gets new political party ahead of 2027 Assembly polls; PRP unveils manifesto

A new political outfit, the People’s Reformation Party (PRP), was formally launched in Manipur on Thursday, September 24 with the party announcing plans to contest the 2027 Assembly election and focus on peace, public order, youth participation and improving standards of public life.

The party, which was granted registration by the Election Commission of India on August 10, 2026, formally announced its formation at an event held at a hotel in Imphal. The programme was followed by a media interaction and the release of its election manifesto.

PRP president Andy Mangsatabam said the party had applied for registration in 2024 under registration number 56/149/2024/PPS-I and received approval from the Election Commission on August 10 this year.

According to Mangsatabam, the party has been formed around the theme of “Peace, Progress and Prosperity”, with an emphasis on encouraging young people to enter electoral politics.

He said the idea of forming the party emerged against the backdrop of the prolonged conflict in Manipur. Mangsatabam attributed the continuation of the crisis to what he described as a failure of the law-and-order mechanism and said elected representatives have a role in addressing the situation.

“To pave a solution to the Manipur crisis, there should be a strong political platform that can raise the voice of the people and not one that follows the high command of a party leader,” he said.

Mangsatabam said the PRP believes Manipur requires not only a change in political leadership but also an improvement in the standards of public life.

The party is planning to field up to 40 candidates from valley constituencies in the 2027 Assembly election, he said. Mangsatabam cited the prevailing conflict and restrictions on movement between the valley and hill areas as a factor behind the party's decision not to immediately indicate candidates from the hills.

The PRP president said the party would prioritise young candidates who are willing to serve the state and have no criminal records. He said prospective candidates would undergo a due-diligence and suitability process before being selected.

“The real difference with the formation of this party would ultimately be demonstrated by the people we put forward, the standards we follow, the way we govern and the results we deliver,” Mangsatabam said.

The party's manifesto contains 13 broad points, including peace, public order, territorial integrity and a “gun-free Manipur”. It also includes measures relating to the welfare of internally displaced persons and human security.

The PRP's formal launch comes as Manipur continues to grapple with the consequences of the ethnic conflict that began in May 2023. The Election Commission's official website lists the People's Reformation Party among the registered unrecognised political parties in Manipur.