Sangma launches National People's Party across India

The party has aligned with Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Sangma, who is president of the party, told reporters that NPP had been active as a party in Manipur and was now being launched the national level. .

He said the party's symbol will be a "book" as literacy and education can empower the weaker sections.

Sangma said the party would contest the Meghalaya assembly elections due early this year. The term of Meghalaya assembly will end March 10 this year.

His daughter Agatha Sangma, who was a minister of state in the UPA government, later told IANS that she would contest the 2014 Lok Sabha elections as NPP candidate.

"Now I cannot join the party due to technical reasons but in 2014 election, I would stand from NPP," said Agatha Sangma, who is at present a NCP MP .

She said NPP has already aligned with the NDA.

Sangma, who unsuccessfully contested presidential elections last year against United Progressive Alliance candidate Pranab Mukherjee, said his party will give due importance to tribal and women issues.