NCP mulls legal action against defection of 7 MLAs

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is weighing all legal options to challenge the defection of its seven legislators in Nagaland.
“We will examine the matter at a micro level and explore all legal options to approach the court. Our legal team will weigh every possibility,” said Brijmohan Shrivastav, the party’s chief national spokesperson and national general secretary, in an interaction with IANS in Bhopal.
Shrivastav confirmed that the NCP would scrutinise the case under the provisions of the Anti-Defection Act. Responding to questions on legal recourse against defections, he remarked that there are numerous judicial precedents regarding anti-defection laws.
“Our legal team will determine the best course of action. These days, power and perks seem to take precedence over ideology,” he added. Shrivastav reaffirmed that the party remains committed to protecting the mandate given by the people in the last Assembly elections.
The party has accused the NDPP of violating alliance principles by allegedly poaching its MLAs, an issue that is likely to be raised at the next NDA meeting.
This political realignment is a significant development in Nagaland’s governance, further solidifying Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s position and ensuring smoother administration for the ruling alliance. Its implications will likely shape future electoral strategies and coalition dynamics.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar on Sunday said seven NCP legislators in Nagaland joined the ruling party there due to “unease over their work not getting done”.
After the split in the Nationalist Congress Party in July 2023 following Ajit Pawar joining the then Eknath Shinde government in Maharashtra, these seven MLAs had preferred to side with the deputy CM instead of party founder Sharad Pawar.
Replying to a media query here, Ajit Pawar said, “Two months ago, all the MLAs had met me and complained about their work not getting done there (Nagaland). There was unrest, that is true. These MLAs were feeling uneasy.”
The seven MLAs are Namri Nchang of Tening, Picto Shohe of Atoizu, Y Mhonbemo Humtsoe of Wokha Town, Y Mankhao Konyak of Mon Town, A Pongshi Phom of Longleng, P Longon of Noklak and S Toiho Yeptho of Suruhoto.