Assam: Former Congress leader Daniel Langthasa announces new regional party, pledges 2026 poll battle

A new chapter in regional politics unfolded on Monday, September 15 as former Congress leader and ex-member of the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC), Daniel Langthasa, announced the launch of his new political platform, the People’s Party. 

The announcement was made during a press conference in Haflong, where Langthasa declared his candidature for the 113-Haflong (ST reserved) constituency in the 2026 Assam Assembly elections.

Daniel Langthasa is the son of late Congress leader and NCHAC Executive Member Nindu Langthasa, who was assassinated in 2007 by militants of the DHD(J) outfit. Since then, Daniel has been pursuing justice for his father’s murder while actively raising his voice against corruption in the hill district.

Outlining his vision, Langthasa said he has traveled extensively across villages in the district, meeting people from diverse communities. He claimed there is widespread frustration with the current system, with the majority of power and wealth allegedly concentrated in the hands of around 100 individuals, leaving nearly 1.3 lakh residents in difficult circumstances.

“Young people may hold degrees, but jobs and opportunities are scarce. Like the youth in countries such as Nepal, who took to the streets against corruption, our people too want change. But unlike them, we will fight within the framework of democracy,” he said.

While asserting that the People’s Party would prioritize a political revolution from within the system, Langthasa clarified that his fight is not against Congress or BJP members individually but against corruption, syndicates, and what he called the “exploitative political framework” of national parties.

“We don’t want a government controlled from Delhi or Dispur. Our struggle is to bring power back to the people,” he remarked, adding that the party would focus on nurturing a new generation of leaders.

Langthasa further criticized the absence of a land policy in the NCHAC, alleging that thousands of bighas of land have been handed over to external companies in the name of industrial development. He urged communities to unite under one banner to safeguard land and political rights under the Sixth Schedule, citing Article 244(A) of the Constitution.

The People’s Party will soon finalize its election symbol and prepare a manifesto addressing pressing local issues. Langthasa called upon citizens to end internal divisions that, he said, are exploited by larger powers in Delhi and Dispur.

“This is not just the birth of a party; it is the beginning of a people’s movement to reclaim our political rights and future,” Langthasa concluded.