Can impact more as MP: Prof Bimol Akoijam on joining politics and contesting LS polls

Professor A Bimol Akoijam is contesting the election for the first time. He is up against BJP's Thounaojam Basanta Kumar Singh

Congress candidate from the Inner Manipur Lok Sabha seat, Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, a professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Delhi today shared why he entered politics after teaching for more than two decades.

Speaking exclusively to Northeast Live, Akoijam stated that because he has been commenting on a lot of public issues, and issues concerning not only Manipur and the Northeast in general but also the rest of the country, he felt that some of the things he was saying as an academic or columnist was ineffective, so he decided to get directly involved in politics.

“I have been commenting on a lot of issues of public importance and issues concerning not only Manipur and Northeast in general but the rest of the country. However, I realised that some of the things I was saying as an academic or columnist did not work, therefore I decided to be directly involved in politics. I think if I do or say the same things as a political actor and a Member of the Parliament, the impact will be very different,” said Akoijam.

Speaking about why he chose Congress, Akoijam said that Manipur is very dear to him and he believes Congress plays a larger role in respecting the state. He said Congress’ ideologically syncs with his orientation.

“I believe in diversity and secular projects. I believe Congress’ ideology syncs with my orientation. My state, Manipur is very dear to me. The scope in a national platform that seems to respect the state, I believe Congress plays a larger role. Furthermore, I have witnessed how the autonomy of the present state government has suffered during the last 11 months,” he added.

Professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam known for his outspoken approach to the issues in the state is contesting from the Inner Manipur seat in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

He is up against BJP’s Thounaojam Basanta Kumar Singh.

Prof. A Bimol Akoijam is contesting the election for the first time and has earned distinction in the field of academics.

He has also acquired expertise by closely observing the political dynamics.

Also Read: Lok Sabha polls: BJP leader, former Yaiskul MLA among four who joined Congress in Manipur

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