Our Correspondent
Kohima, April 29 (EMN): In a major political development ahead of the state assembly election due next year, as many as 21 Naga People’s Front (NPF) MLAs ‘merged’ with the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) on Friday.
"In order to strengthen the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and his government, 21 NPF MLAs have merged with the NDPP party officials this afternoon. Along with them, former Rajya Sabha MP KG Kenye joined the party," NDPP Spokesperson, Merentoshi Jamir told journalists at a press conference in Kohima on Friday.
"The government of the day should be the one where others join. We welcome all 21 of them and also welcome others to join in the near future," he said, adding that the new development will strengthen the government and the leadership.
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) was formed for the Naga political issue but things could be looked at differently as NPF or NDPP are different parties, therefore, the leaders felt that being under one political party will help and further strengthen and push the Naga issue, said Jamir.
‘Their (21 MLAs) coming over is to be under one umbrella and under the same party, not just as opposition-less government. They have merged with NDPP in order to support the government,’ he added.
The 21 legislators, who merged with the NDPP, were UDA chairman and NPF Legislature Party Leader TR Zeliang, Moatoshi Longkumer, Azheto Zhimomi, Keneizhakho Nakhro, Y Vikheho Swu, Dr. Chotisuh Sazo, Yitachu, Amenba Yaden, Imtiwapang Aier, Imkong L Imchen, Picto Shohe, Dr Chumben Murry, YM Yollow, CL John, N Thongwang Konyak, Eshak Konyak, EE Panteang, BS Nganlang Phom, Muthingnyuba Sangtam, Toyang Chang, and Kejong Chang, according to NLA Speaker's order issued on the same day.
This leaves the NPF, which earlier had 25 MLAs, with only four legislators -- Kuzholuzo Nienu, Khriehu Liezietsu, Kezhienyi Khalo, and Dr. Ngangshi K Ao.
Stating that the 21 MLAs had through individual letters and common resolution declared their merger and had also presented themselves before him on Friday; and that he had received acceptance letter from the NDPP president, the Speaker directed NLA Commissioner and Secretary to publish the revised summary of information as per the rules and correct the party affiliation of the legislators in the records.
In case of any petition filed against the members, it will be considered separately as per procedure, he added.
As for the NDPP-BJP alliance, Jamir said it’s "going on very well" since 2018 and that the new development shouldn’t threaten the two political parties.
'Our (NDPP) pre-poll alliance with the BJP continues and it will continue. It will stand as it is and it will continue to do so,’ he assured, adding that what had been promised between the two parties will "not break".
"The alliance and whatever decision is taking place is done with the knowledge of BJP," he added.
Minister and Government Spokesperson, Neiba Kronu informed that the all-party government will continue despite the merger of 21 NPF MLAs with the NDPP. ‘As political parties, it is up to the legislators to merge or not. Even if they still remain in NPF, the UDA will continue,’ he said, adding that the Speaker and NDPP President have agreed to it.
"We are strengthened as there is need for one strong regional and national political party to work together," said Kronu.