Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party marks 8 years of altering Nagaland’s political landscape

NDPP leaders on the dais during its 5th general convention in Kohima on Thursday. (EM Images)

• Chingwang Konyak, Abu Metha re-elected president and secretary general
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• KOHIMA — Formed in 2017, the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) today has grown to 2.51 lakh members in Nagaland—including 1.68 lakh primary and 83,000 active members.
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• Addressing the party’s 5th general convention in Kohima, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio recalled the elections the party had won since the formation of the party.
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• He acknowledged the proactive participation of the party workers, asserting that NDPP drew its strength from its alliance with the BJP.
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• The NDPP has won all the elections—including two general elections, two Lok Sabha elections, and bye-elections—so far, except for the 2024 Lok Sabha contest.
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• Rio said that the result of the Lok Sabha election 2024 was a “surprise” and came as a shock for everyone. He said that the experience was a “very costly lesson” for them. According to him, this was not a political defeat but an ideological one.
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• Also, he recalled that ULB elections, with 33% seat reservation for women, were held in the state after 21 years of struggle. The fact that the citizens were not against NDPP was evident from the ULB election results, he asserted—out of 278 victorious councillors, 153 were NDPP candidates.
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• The chief minister asserted that the public support is a testament to the fact that the NDPP’s ideologies are ‘correct for the people.’ He also spoke on a wide range of issues confronting the state, including the power sector, forest and environment, health sector, the unique history of the state, and the Naga political issue.
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• He dedicated the honorary doctorate recently conferred on him to the people of Nagaland.
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• The president of NDPP, Chingwang Konyak, observed, “We have significantly expanded our regional presence, ensuring that the NDPP remains a truly people-driven party.”
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• He added that the party's strength is measured not just in electoral victories but also in its connection with the people.
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• Besides the head offices at Kohima and Chumoukedima, it has also established and inaugurated regional offices at Mon, Longleng, Tuensang, Kiphire, Zunheboto, Wokha, Tseminyu, Phek, and Jalukie. Offices in the remaining regions are also under process, he informed.
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• Secretary General Abu Metha said that the NDPP was formed on May 17, 2017, as a response to the people of Nagaland, who were crying out for an alternative to build a new Nagaland.
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• “It is a regional party with a national outlook and a global perspective,” he said, adding that the party has not only emerged as the dominant regional party in the state but is also recognised in the region and acknowledged at the national level.
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• He added the party will act in accordance with global concerns, be it in the field of environmental awareness, diversity hotspots, standing out for gender equality, human rights, or climate change.
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• Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang, Ministers Metsubo Jamir, G Kaito Aye, CL John, and KG Kenye also addressed the gathering.
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• Meanwhile, Chingwang Konyak and Abu Metha were re-elected as NDPP president and secretary general for the tenure 2024-2027.
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• The working presidents are N Bendang Jamir, H Chuba Chang, and Ahovi Zhimomi, while the treasurer is Dr. John Murry. The three senior vice presidents are Charlie Sekhose, Rusemtong Longkumer, and Dr. Chumben Murry.
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• Central Youth Organisation will be headed by president Imchatoba Imchen, working president Lhouvi Punyu, general secretaries Mixishe Zhimo and Merithung Odyuo, while Sedevikho Angami is the treasurer.
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• The Central Women Organisation will be led by Vikali A Zhimomi as its president and Dziesekhonuo as working president, Imlinaro Stephanie Ezung as general secretary, Maipo Walim as treasurer, and Y Vikheho Swu as president of Central Agri & Allied Organisation.