In a major political development, all seven (7) MLAs of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) officially merged with the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), raising the latter’s strength in the 60-member Nagaland Legislative Assembly from 25 to 32.
It may be pointed out that in the current 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly(NLA) there is no opposition as all other non-PDA members such as NCP(7), NPP(5), RPI/A (2) Ind (4), LJP/RV(2), NPF (2) and JDU(1) form the oppositionless government, a rarity in Indian politics .
It may be noted that NCP Nagaland had decided to realign from Sharad Pawar NCP to Ajit Pawar NCP. The present deputy speaker of the 14th NLA is NCP member S.Toiho Yeptho. The merger was announced by minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs and government spokesperson K.G. Kenye at a press conference held at Hotel Japfü in Kohima late Saturday evening.
The seven NCP MLAs who have merged with the NDPP are- Namri Nchang (6-Tening A/C), Er. Picto Shohe (32-Atoizu A/C), Y. Mhonbemo Humtsoe (38-Wokha Town A/C), Y. Mankhao Konyak (46-Mon Town A/C), A. Pongshi Phom (50-Longleng A/C), P. Longon (56-Noklak A/C) and S. ToihoYeptho (33-Suruhoto A/C).
Kenye said the formal application for the merger was submitted to the Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Sharingain Longkumer and was promptly accepted in line with constitutional provisions.
Explaining the background, Kenye said that the 14th NLA currently comprises of nine political groupings, with the NCP being the third largest. Kenye described the decision of NCP to merge with the NDPP as a “pleasant development,” which he said, reflected the growing trust and confidence in the leadership of chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio and the NDPP-led government.
With the increased numbers, Kenye stated that NDPP would be in a stronger position to serve the people of Nagaland and reinforce the leadership of the present government. He claimed that the expanded legislative strength would enhance the party’s ability to function more effectively and work towards the welfare and development of the state.
Asked whether the development would impact existing alliance dynamics- particularly seat-sharing arrangements with coalition partners like the BJP, Kenye clarified that no coalition in the country has permanent arrangements. He explained that seat-sharing and alliance agreements typically apply only for the duration of one electoral term, and that each election introduces new political dynamics.
Kenye stated that the NDPP would “revisit and recast” its alliances and electoral strategies based on future circumstances and the evolving political landscape. “Every election has its own dynamics,” he reiterated, indicating that the party would adapt its approach in alignment with emerging realities to best serve the interests of the people.
Regarding potential ministerial changes following the merger, Kenye said such decisions rest solely with the chief minister. He refrained from making any comments, adding that the chief minister would address the matter at an appropriate time.
In response to a query on the reasons cited by the NCP MLAs for merging with the NDPP, Kenye explained that although the NCP is a national party, its agenda and manifesto are primarily focused on national-level issues. Consequently, its structural and constitutional framework does not permit a state-centric approach.
Describing Nagaland as a “hypersensitive state” with localised concerns, he said the MLAs found themselves increasingly constrained in addressing state-centric issues.
Kenye stated that the NCP MLAs felt their priorities and the aspirations of their constituents were not being adequately addressed within the framework of a national party. He noted that over the past two years, the legislators had encountered growing difficulties in operating in a way that resonated with the sentiments and needs of the people of Nagaland.
“In joining the NDPP, they have rightly taken a step towards becoming part of a people’s party that, while having a national outlook, is essentially rooted in the interests of the state,” Kenye said. He described the NDPP as a regional party that prioritises the people’s voice and concerns, and one where the MLAs would be better able to express themselves and function in harmony with the people’s interests.
He attributed the merger to the leadership of chief minister Rio, stating that the CM’s vision and strength had been instrumental in drawing the MLAs to the party.
NLA speaker declares merger
In an official order issued under Paragraph 4(2) of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution and the relevant provisions of The Members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (Disqualification on Ground of Defection) Rules, 2019, Speaker Sharingain Longkumer declared the merger of seven NCP legislators with the NDPP.
According to the Speaker, individual letters from all seven MLAs dated May 31 confirmed their unanimous decision to merge. They also appeared in person to affirm their move. A letter from NDPP president Chingwang Konyak confirmed the party’s acceptance of the merger.
After examining the required legal provisions, the Speaker found that all seven MLAs constituted 100% of the NCP’s legislative party in the House– thus meeting the criteria for a valid merger under the Constitution. The merger took effect immediately from May 31, 2025, the Speaker stated.
The Assembly Secretariat also issued a revised bulletin (No. 181) updating the official party affiliation of the concerned members.