Kohima (Nagaland) [India], June 1 (HBTV): The seven legislators of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Nagaland have merged with the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), giving Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s party an absolute majority in the 60-member Legislative Assembly.

With the merger, the NDPP’s strength rises from 25 to 32 seats. The NCP had finished third in the 2023 Assembly elections, behind the NDPP and its ally, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which holds 12 seats.

Addressing a press conference, government spokesperson and minister KG Kenye confirmed that the Speaker has accepted the merger application. ‘We have been joined by a few more friends in the NDPP force this evening; there are nine groups in the state assembly this time, and the NCP was the third-largest with seven members,’ Kenye said. He added that the development would strengthen Chief Minister Rio’s leadership and enhance the government’s ability to serve the people.

Kenye noted that coalition seat-sharing arrangements are not permanent and may be reviewed before future elections. He also said any ministerial reshuffle remains the Chief Minister’s prerogative. Explaining the reasons behind the move, Kenye said national parties such as the NCP often face constraints when addressing state-specific issues, whereas a regional platform like the NDPP offers a more focused approach.

Apart from the 32 NDPP and 12 BJP MLAs, the Assembly now comprises five National People’s Party members, two legislators each from the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), the Naga People’s Front and the Republican Party of India (Athawale), one JD(U) MLA and four Independents.

(ANI)