GUWAHATI: As Manipur goes to the polls in March, all eyes are set on Surajkumar Singh, the son of three-time chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh from the Congress party.
London-educated Singh is making his debut in electoral politics from Khangabok constituency, held by his mother, Okram Landhoni, for the past 10 years. She is not seeking re-election having made way for her son.
Singh told Express that his focus areas would be the underprivileged section and the youth. “I would like the youth, especially those from my constituency, to get jobs although not necessarily within the government. I would like to work with them and see they get jobs matching their skills. In this regard, we are planning to start various skill training programmes,” the 29-year-old said.
An economics graduate from London’s Kingston University, Singh has been a state-level paddler and a polo player as well. He is married and has a son.
The young politician will contest against BJP’s Manipur unit vice-president Jadumani, among others.
On his decision of taking part in the elections, he pointed out that it was a decision of the people of the constituency and not his family. “The constituency has been like a family for us for the last 30 years. As my mother wished to retire, people wanted me to contest and work for them,” he said.
“There are a lot of things that can be done. I would like to work for the underprivileged. The youth in the constituency are very excited that I am contesting,” he said.
Singh could be a novice in electoral politics but he is no stranger to the people of Manipur. He has been working at the grassroots level since his return from the UK in 2011. “I know people will expect a lot from me as I am the chief minister’s son. I will work tirelessly for them if elected,” he claimed.