Ahead of next year’s assembly elections in Nagaland, 21 MLAs of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) on Friday merged with the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP). NDPP spokesperson Merentoshi Jamir said in Kohima on Friday, “In order to strengthen the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and his government, 21 NPF MLAs have merged with NDPP party officials this afternoon. Along with him former Rajya Sabha MP KG Keene also joined the party.
He said that the merger of MLAs will strengthen the government and the leadership. “We welcome all 21 of them and would welcome others to join in the near future,” Jamir said.
He said, “The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) was formed for the Naga political issue. Hence the leaders felt that subjugating to one political party would help further strengthen and take the Naga issue forward.” “The coming of 21 MLAs under one umbrella and being under one party will give strength. There has been an opposition-less government here,” he said.
The 21 MLAs who merged with the NDPP include UDA president and NPF legislature party leader TR Zeliang, Moatoshi Longkumer, Azeto Zhimomi, Kenizhakho Nakhro, Y Wikheho Swu, Dr. Chhotisuh Sajo, Yitachu, Amenba Yaden, Imtivapang Eir, Imcheong L. Huh. According to the NLA speaker’s order issued on the same day, the names of Picto Shohe, Dr. Chumben Mari, YM Yolo, CL John, N Thongwang Konyak, Ishak Konyak, EE Panteng, BS Nganlang Phom, Muthingyuba Sangatam, Toyang Chang and Kejong Chang were also named. is included in them. NPF is now left with only four MLAs.
21 MLAs had announced their merger through personal letters and a general resolution. He presented himself before the Speaker on Friday. He received the letter of acceptance from the NDPP President. The Speaker directed the NLA Commissioner and Secretary to publish the revised summary of the information as per the rules and correct the party affiliation of the MLAs in the records. He said that any petition filed against the members would be considered separately as per the procedure.
NDPP-BJP alliance will continue
On the NDPP-BJP alliance, Jamir said that it is doing very well since 2018 and the new developments should not threaten both the political parties. “Our (NDPP) pre-poll alliance with the BJP is on and it will continue,” he said. It will stand as it is. He assured that the promise made between the two sides will not be broken. “The alliance and whatever decision is being taken is being done with the knowledge of BJP,” he said.