In a major political shift, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has secured an absolute majority in the state assembly after all seven Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLAs merged with the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP). This move increases NDPP’s strength from 25 to 32 seats in the 60-member assembly, solidifying Rio’s leadership.
Key Developments in Nagaland’s Political Landscape
- NCP MLAs Merge with NDPP: The seven MLAs formally submitted their merger application, which was accepted by Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer.
- Strengthening the Ruling Coalition: With NDPP now holding 32 seats, alongside BJP’s 12 seats, the ruling alliance has a comfortable majority.
- Ajit Pawar’s NCP Faces Setback: The Nagaland unit of NCP, which had backed Ajit Pawar’s faction, has now fully integrated into NDPP, raising concerns over party poaching allegations.
- Impact on Governance: State Minister KG Kenye emphasized that the merger will enhance policy implementation and governance efficiency.
Political Reactions and Future Outlook
Ajit Pawar acknowledged that unease among NCP MLAs over work progress and governance issues contributed to their decision to switch parties. Meanwhile, NDPP leaders assert that the merger strengthens the government’s ability to serve the people effectively.
For more updates on Nagaland’s political developments, stay tuned!
