NDPP, BJP reiterate 40:20 seat sharing formula for 2023 polls

In a significant political development, NDPP and BJP have reportedly reiterated to continue with the 2018 pre-poll alliance by maintaining the same seat sharing 40:20 ratio (40 NDPP and 20 BJP) in the 2023 Assembly election.

Highly placed sources disclosed to Nagaland Post that chief minister Neiphiu Rio informed the matter to members of United Democratic Alliance (UDA), whose meeting was held at the chief minister’s residential complex here on Tuesday and where BJP Legislative Party leader Y Patton and State BJP president Temjen Imna Along were also present.

When contacted, Y. Patton also confirmed with this correspondent that the decision to continue the alliance was taken as per the directive of the central BJP high command.

The meeting also decided to write a letter to Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) speaker Sharingain Longkumer recommending that former chief minister TR Zeliang, who was opposition leader, be now called NPF Legislative Party leader.

Further, the meeting reaffirmed its commitment to play the role of an active facilitator to the Naga peace process and also appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for appointing AK Mishra as interlocutor and the negotiating groups for fresh negotiation.

NDPP nominee consensus candidate for by-poll: Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) will be fielding its candidate as the UDA consensus candidate for the ensuing by-poll to 58 Shamator-Chessore Assembly constituency.

The by-poll has been necessitated as the seat fell vacant following the demise of NDPP legislator and adviser Toshi Wungtung.

Though NPF had earlier planned to set up its candidate, the party, however, at an emergency meeting held on Tuesday decided to extend support to the NDPP candidate as requested by the latter.

BJP sources also informed that the party would be supporting the NDPP candidate as per the seat sharing pact between the two parties.

Power-sharing with NPF: Further, the sources said the meeting decided that NPF legislators would be given a fair chance of power-sharing, but not by allotting them portfolios, though they would be considered in discharging of government activities.

The meeting however did not discuss allotting the post of deputy chief minister to TR Zeliang.

It may be recalled that central BJP leaders insisted that the chief minister should not disturb the present ministry and maintain status-quo.

UDA adopts four-point resolution on Naga issue

United Democratic Alliance (UDA), which held its first meeting at the chief minister’s residential complex Kohima on October 5, and adopted four-point resolution, has welcomed the resumption of Naga peace talks.

The resolution signed by state chief minister Neiphiu Rio, deputy chief minister Y. Patton, NPF legislature party leader TR Zeliang, NDPP president Chingwang Konyak, BJP state unit president and minister Temjen Imna Along and NPF working president Huska Yepthomi appreciated the “serious commitment” of the Government of India towards the “Indo-Naga” peace process.

The house also welcomed the “positive steps” taken by the Centre on matters related to the ongoing “Indo-Naga” political dialogue and the appointment of a single person as interlocutor with all the negotiating parties.

Further, the house appreciated the resumption of talks and the decision of the Naga political groups to resume the peace process by proceeding to New Delhi for continuation of the negotiation process.

The house also acknowledged the desire and feeling of the Naga people, which has been expressed through consultative meetings and resolutions calling for an early, honourable, acceptable and inclusive solution.

Upholding the resolutions of the civil society groups, the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and the series of consultative meetings, the house appealed to the negotiating parties to respond to the cry of the people and bring the protracted “Indo-Naga” political issue to its logical conclusion at the earliest possible.

Meanwhile, the UDA resolved to make every possible effort “to play the role of active facilitator” towards the peace process and the ongoing negotiations.

In his regard, the UDA has appealed to all sections to continue to work towards unity, reconciliation and oneness in order to prepare a positive landing ground for the long-awaited solution.

NDPP, BJP reiterate 40:20 seat sharing formula for 2023 polls

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