04/09/2026
|| Independent Aspirant Nongthombam Rajendro Announces Bid for Khundrakpam AC, Vows to Work for Manipur’s Interests
IMPHAL EAST, Sept 4: Nongthombam Rajendro, who is preparing to contest the upcoming 13th Manipur Legislative Assembly election as an independent candidate from the Khundrakpam Assembly Constituency, said he entered electoral politics with the objective of becoming “the voice of the people” and working to protect Manipur’s interests.
Rajendro made the statement during a programme held at Ibudhou Puthiba Lai Lampak, Yumnam Khunou in Imphal East district, where he formally announced his intention to contest the election.
The programme was attended by several local clubs, Meira Paibis and members of the public from the constituency.
Speaking on the occasion, Rajendro, also known as “Boy,” recalled that he had contested the 2022 Assembly election as a candidate from Khundrakpam AC but was defeated. Following the defeat, he said, he had initially decided not to contest elections again.
However, he said the situation that developed in Manipur following the outbreak of violence on May 3, 2023, prompted him to reconsider his decision. He said the displacement of people, destruction of homes and the prolonged stay of thousands of people in relief camps strengthened his resolve to work for the protection of Manipur and its people.
Rajendro said that during the ongoing crisis, he had made efforts to support people affected by the conflict, while acknowledging that some of his initiatives had also faced opposition and setbacks.
“Had the people’s representatives remained united and raised their voices strongly for the people, the situation today could have been different,” he said, adding that he believes people-oriented leadership is necessary to address the present crisis.
He further said his decision to contest the election was not limited to the Khundrakpam constituency but was driven by a broader vision for Manipur.
Rajendro said the people of Manipur have been facing the consequences of the conflict for more than three years and expressed concern that the Centre, including Union Home Minister-level leadership, has not adequately understood the gravity of the situation.
Stating that his candidature would be independent of party politics, Rajendro said his primary objective would be to promote peaceful coexistence among all communities and work for the overall development of Manipur.
“If I am elected as the people’s representative, I will work to improve the irrigation sector in Khundrakpam and promote agricultural development, including efforts towards a new green revolution,” he said.
He also highlighted education and women’s development as key priorities, particularly in the eastern part of the constituency. He said he would work to strengthen the education sector and create greater opportunities for women.
Rajendro maintained that his electoral bid was not merely about politics but about representing the aspirations of the people and working for the protection and development of Manipur.
