DIMAPUR, OCT 1 (NPN): In a major political development, five National People’s Party (NPP) legislators formally merged with the Naga People’s Front (NPF), with the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) Speaker declaring the merger effective from October 1, 2026.
The merger was notified under Paragraph 4(2) of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution and the Members of Nagaland Legislative Assembly (Disqualification on Ground of Defection) Rules, 2019.
The five MLAs are A. Nyamnyei Konyak (48-Moka AC), Nuklutoshi (22-Arkakong AC), C. Kipili Sangtam (59-Seyochung-Sitimi AC), Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhutso (9-Kohima Town AC) and Benei M. Lamthiu (57-Thonoknyu AC).
With the five NPP legislators joining NPF, the latter’s strength in the 60-member Assembly has increased from 34 to 39. (See table)
NPF welcomes merger
NPF has welcomed the merger of all five elected members of the National People’s Party (NPP) of the 14th House of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly into its fold.
NPF through its press bureau said the merger took place at Dimapur in the presence of chief minister and NPF president, Dr. Neiphiu Rio, adviser & secretary general, NPF Achumbemo Kikon and other senior leaders of the party.
It said five legislators later paraded before the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) speaker and submitted all relevant documents pertaining to their merger.
According to NPF press bureau, five MLAs stated that they have merged voluntarily with the regional party, reposing their faith in the leadership of NPF president and chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio, and subscribing to the ideology and policies of the NPF.
Welcoming the five legislators into the party fold, Dr. Neiphiu Rio said their decision to join the NPF, a party that truly represents the identity and aspirations of the Naga people, is a welcome step.
He expressed confidence that with their joining, the regional force will be further strengthened.