The National People’s Party (NPP) has expressed concern over what it described as the repeated “targeting and inducement” of its elected representatives by the Naga People’s Front (NPF), following the defection of two NPP municipal councillors from Kohima to the regional party.

In a statement issued by National Working President James K. Sangma, the NPP said the latest defections came after an earlier instance in which two of its municipal councillors from Dimapur also joined the NPF, suggesting what it termed a deliberate pattern rather than isolated political developments.

The party maintained that political competition should be based on ideology, public service and the confidence of the people, and not on efforts to weaken rival parties by targeting their elected representatives.

The NPP also expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the latest defections, alleging that reports and representations received by the party indicated that pressure had been exerted on the councillors through threats that development funds and government schemes would be withheld unless they joined the ruling party.

“If such allegations are true, they raise serious concerns about the misuse of political influence and undermine the democratic principle that development belongs to the people and should never be used as an instrument of political coercion,” the statement said.

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It added that democracy loses its meaning when access to public resources is perceived to depend on political allegiance.

The party said it had consistently maintained cordial political relations with both regional and national parties, including the NPF, and described the repeated defections of its elected representatives as unfortunate. It asserted that healthy democratic competition should prevail instead of attempts to weaken a partner political party through defections.

The NPP said it was reviewing the political developments in Nagaland and would take necessary organisational measures to strengthen its structure across all levels. It added that the recent incidents had reinforced the need to consolidate the party organisation, nurture committed grassroots leadership and build a stronger cadre-based party that would be resilient against defections.

Expressing confidence in the people of Nagaland, the NPP said voters desired constructive politics founded on credibility, accountability and public service rather than political expediency driven by defections.

The party assured its workers and supporters that it would emerge stronger from the present challenges and continue working towards providing a credible political alternative in the state.