The NDPP gains strength as it welcomes seven former NCP MLAs into its fold, bringing its tally to 32 in the 60-member house and reinforcing its regional mandate amid ongoing governance challenges.
BY PC Bureau
In a major political development, all seven legislators of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Nagaland have officially merged with the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), further consolidating the latter’s position in the state legislature.
With this merger, the NDPP now holds 32 seats in the 60-member Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA).
The announcement was made during a late-evening press briefing in Kohima by Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs, KG Kenye. He noted that prior to the merger, nine political parties were represented in the NLA, with the NCP ranking as the third-largest.
Kenye said the NCP MLAs submitted their merger application to NLA Speaker Sharingain Longkumer, who approved the request after verifying procedural formalities.
Stronger Government, Says Minister
Kenye described the development as a step toward strengthening the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and improving governance. “With a more unified team under the Chief Minister’s leadership, we believe we can serve the people more effectively,” he stated.
In a major political development, all seven legislators of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Nagaland officially merged with the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) on Saturday.
Following this alteration to Nagaland’s political landscape, the NDPP’s… https://t.co/T4Ca2Uy2aw pic.twitter.com/JHTbGiWUNn— Eastern Mirror (@Eastern_Mirror) May 31, 2025
Asked about implications for future seat-sharing with coalition partner BJP, Kenye emphasized that no fixed arrangement exists. “There is no permanent seat-sharing ratio with any partner. These arrangements are always specific to each five-year term,” he clarified.
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On the possibility of a Cabinet reshuffle, Kenye noted it was entirely at the discretion of the Chief Minister.
Understanding the Move
Explaining the motivation behind the NCP legislators’ switch, Kenye said the decision stemmed from the need to better address Nagaland’s unique issues.
“Being part of a national party often means working within broader, pan-India agendas that may not align with the specific challenges of a state like Nagaland,” he explained. “The NDPP, while nationally conscious, is deeply rooted in regional priorities—making it a more natural fit.”
He attributed the merger in part to the leadership and appeal of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, which he said resonated strongly with the legislators.
Speaker Confirms Merger
NLA Speaker Sharingain Longkumer officially recognized the merger under Paragraph 4(2) of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution and the Members of Nagaland Legislative Assembly (Disqualification on Ground of Defection) Rules, 2019.
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The Speaker’s order confirmed that all seven NCP MLAs—Namri Nchang, Picto Shohe, Y Mhonbemo Humtsoe, Y Mankhao Konyak, A Pongshi Phom, P Longon, and S Toiho Yeptho—constituted the entire legislative strength of the NCP in the Assembly. This full consensus satisfies constitutional requirements for a valid merger without invoking anti-defection provisions.
“I hereby declare the merger of all the seven honourable members as mentioned above with the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) with effect from May 31, 2025,” the order read.
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The Speaker also instructed the secretary-in-charge of the Assembly to update the summary of party positions in accordance with Rule 4(3) of the Defection Rules.
