All 7 NCP MLAs In Nagaland Join Ruling NDPP, Give CM Neiphiu Rio Majority In Assembly

Last Updated:May 31, 2025, 23:58 IST

Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio

In a major setback to NCP, all seven Nagaland MLAs joined CM Neiphiu Rio-led Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), increasing the party’s strength from 25 to 32, and giving absolute majority to the Chief Minister.

Addressing a press conference, state minister KG Kenye said, “This evening, the seven NCP MLAs submitted their merger application to the speaker, who has graciously accepted it. With this, the NDPP’s strength in the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly rises from 25 to 32 members.”

NCP’s Nagaland unit had extended its support to the Ajit Pawar-led faction after the party split.

He stressed that with the party’s increased strength, the government will be able to implement policies and serve the public effectively.

“This development strengthens the hands of our CM and the functioning of the government,” said Kenye, who is also the government spokesperson.

Further sharing insights on how it will impact seat-sharing arrangements within the ruling alliance, he mentioned that “no permanent formula exists”.

“Every election brings its dynamics, and accordingly, arrangements, including seat-sharing, may need to be re-evaluated,” he said.

Speaking about the cabinet’s reshuffle, he said, “That prerogative lies solely with the CM. We hope to meet him soon, and such questions are best posed to him directly.”

“Being part of a national party, they are often bound by nationwide priorities, limiting their ability to focus on local issues. In contrast, the NDPP, though national in outlook, remains deeply rooted as a regional party with a strong commitment to local interests,” he added.

The leadership of CM Rio and the overall direction of the present government played a significant role in attracting the MLAs, he said.

Notably, Ajit Pawar’s NCP emerged as the third-largest party in the state in the 2023 assembly elections, after the NDPP and its ally BJP, which won 12 seats.

According to an order by Speaker Sharingain Longkumer, the MLAs submitted their resignations themselves.

Nagaland, India, India

Source link