NDPP-NPF merger under ‘Cock’ symbol

Setting all speculations at rest, political observers have confirmed that the NDPP–NPF merger is already making headway, with both parties holding a series of internal meetings to finalise the process and function as a single entity under the banner of NPF, retaining the traditional Cock symbol.
According to NDPP sources, the party has already cleared the decks to effect the merger, while the NPF has also moved towards paving the way for the unification of the two regional parties.
It may be recalled that the NPF came into being after chief minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio, spearheaded the formation of the party from the erstwhile Nagaland People’s Council (NPC). Rio, along with party colleague K. Therie, had left the Congress in late 2002 to form the NPF, then known as Nagaland People’s Front, which was subsequently renamed as the Naga People’s Front (NPF).
With NDPP having 32 MLAs in the 60-member House and with the merger of two NPF legislators, the strength of the party will rise to 34.
Talking to this Correspondent, a highly placed source, who wished not to be named, explained that the merger was aimed at consolidating regional political strength. “We are trying to bring two regional parties together. Nagaland is a small state, and it is not viable for two regional parties to survive.
This step is to ensure that only one strong regional party endures,” the source stated. Leaders from both NDPP and NPF are understood to have reached a broad consensus on the merger formula, with official announcement expected soon.
According to the source, necessary discussions have already taken place, and only a few meetings remained to finalise the merger. “We are trying to formulate things. It will take a little more time,” the source added.
It may be pointed out that in the current 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly, there is no opposition, as all other non-PDA members such as NPP (5), RPI/A (2), Ind (4), LJP/RV (2) and JDU (1) form part of the oppositionless government. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has 12 seats.
The decision to retain the NPF identity and symbol was reportedly taken in recognition of its historic legacy and emotional connect with the Naga people. Political observers said the merger would consolidate the regional front, provide stability to the ruling dispensation and project a stronger collective voice on the Naga political issue.
Once formalised, the merger will mark a return to a single dominant regional party in Nagaland politics, reshaping the state’s political landscape ahead of future elections.