By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The Tribal Forum of India, which projected former Lok Sabha speaker Purno A. Sangma as its presidential candidate, is scheduled to meet next month to declare formation of a “tribal-centric” political party in India.
“A core committee of the Tribal Forum of India would be meeting at New Delhi and a delegation of the forum will meet the Chief Election Commissioner to discuss the possibility of launching of a new political party,” Sangma said here on Tuesday.
While stating that the name of the party was yet to be finalized, Sangma asserted that the party would be tribal-centric but it would be open for all.
Referring to recent Presidential poll, Sangma said, “The last Presidential election had given an opportunity for the tribal people of India to articulate their aspirations and hope. It has brought political awareness to the tribal people and it will be the beginning of a united movement of the tribals for their rights.”
The senior leader also stated that tribal leaders from all over the country will be meeting at Raipur in Chhattisgarh on August 9, which is observed as the International Day of the Worlds Indigenous People, to take stock of the Presidential poll besides discussing a “future plan for the tribals”.
“I will be addressing the gathering to thank all the tribal people and also to call for unity,” Sangma said.
Sangma, who had resigned from NCP prior to Presidential election, on Tuesday met leaders, who include legislators of NCP here, calling for their support for his new political initiative.