In a significant political development in Nagaland, all seven Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLAs have joined the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP). This move has bolstered Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio's position, granting his party an absolute majority in the 60-member Nagaland Legislative Assembly. The merger was officially confirmed on Saturday, May 31, 2025.
The seven NCP legislators who have joined the NDPP 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. These MLAs presented themselves to Speaker Sharingain Longkumer and submitted formal letters expressing their decision to merge with the NDPP. The Speaker approved the merger, stating that all constitutional requirements had been met.
With this political realignment, the NDPP's strength in the Assembly has increased from 25 to 32, securing a clear majority for the party. This development is expected to enhance the stability and effectiveness of the Rio-led government. State Minister KG Kenye, also the government spokesperson, addressed a press conference, stating that the merger application was accepted by the Speaker. He emphasized that the increased strength of the NDPP would further reinforce Chief Minister Rio's leadership and enable the government to serve the people of Nagaland more effectively.
The NCP's Nagaland unit had previously sided with the Ajit Pawar-led faction following the split within the national party. In the 2023 assembly elections, the NCP emerged as the third-largest party in the state, trailing behind the NDPP and its ally, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which secured 12 seats.
This bolstering of NDPP numbers comes at a time when the Nagaland government is focusing on several key initiatives. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has emphasized his government's commitment to fostering economic growth, improving public service delivery, and creating employment opportunities for the state's citizens. The government is also hopeful of finding a resolution to the long-standing Naga political issue in 2025 and has been involved in negotiations between the Centre and various Naga groups.
In March 2025, Chief Minister Rio presented a budget of Rs 24,849 crore for the financial year 2025-26, with a deficit of Rs. 843.21 crore. The budget includes initiatives such as the Nagaland Skill Mission, which aims to train and provide employment opportunities for at least 5,000 youth in various sectors, and the Nagaland Tourism, Hospitality and Transport Scheme, designed to promote tourism and entrepreneurship. Furthermore, the government plans to launch a Drone Training and Logistics Program to skill youth in emerging technologies.
The recent political development is viewed as a significant boost to the NDPP and the Neiphiu Rio government, promising to strengthen its position and facilitate the implementation of its planned initiatives for the development and progress of Nagaland. With the increased majority, the government is expected to pursue its agenda with greater confidence and stability.
