In a major political development, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLAs have formally merged with the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), boosting the ruling party’s strength in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly. The announcement was made by NDPP leader and Minister of Power and Parliamentary affairs K.G. Kenye during a press briefing held May 31 evening in Kohima at Hotel Japfu.

“I have the pleasure and honour of breaking this news that a few more friends have joined the NDPP party force this evening,” said Kenye confirming that all seven NCP legislators, forming the third-largest group in the 14th House, have submitted their merger application to the Speaker, who officially accepted the request.

The seven legislators who joined NDPP are: Namri Nchang, MLA (6-TeningA/C), Er. Picto Shohe, MLA ( 32 – Atoizu A/C), Y. Mhonbemo Humtsoe, MLA

(38-Wokha Town A/C), Y. Mankhao Konyak, MLA (46-Mon Town A/C), A. Pongshi Phom, MLA (50-Longleng A/C), P. Longon, MLA (56-Noklak A/C), and S. Toiho Yeptho, MLA (33-Suruhoto A/C).

With this merger, the NDPP’s strength in the 60-member Assembly rises from 25 to 32, solidifying the party’s dominance and strengthening the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. “We hope, we can be able to serve the people of the state with the larger number and strengthen the hands of our Chief Minister,” Kenye remarked.

Addressing questions on the seat-sharing arrangement within the coalition, Kenye clarified that there is “no permanent ratio” with partners. “That is never the case in any part of our country. The arrangement Is effective for this duration of five years or for the term of the 14th House. Every election has its own dynamics, so accordingly we may have to recast these relationships and seat-sharing agreements,” he said.

On whether the reshuffling of the ministry is on the cards following the merger, Kenye responded, “That is something outside of my prerogative. It is the Chief Minister’s prerogative. In due course of time, I think, we will have an opportunity to meet him soon.”

When asked why the NCP MLAs chose to join the NDPP, Kenye pointed to a mismatch between national party priorities and state-specific needs. “The NCP is a national party with national interests and agendas as part of its manifesto. But Nagaland, being a hypersensitive state with many unique issues, requires a more focused and localised approach,” he explained.

Kenye noted that the NCP’s structure limited its ability to effectively address state-centric issues, leading to frustrations in recent years. “So rightly, they have taken this step to join hands with the NDPP, the largest regional party — state-centric but with a national outlook — where they can better align with the sentiments and interests of the people,” he said.

The Minister acknowledged the leadership and vision of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio which also played a decisive role in drawing the NCP legislators into the NDPP fold. “It goes without saying, it is the charm of the leadership in the present government and of our NDPP Legislature Party Leader, Dr. Neiphiu Rio, which has attracted them the most,” remarked Kenye.

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The Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Sharingain Longkumer, confirmed the merger in an official order issued on Saturday, May 31, under Paragraph 4(2) of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution of India and the relevant provisions of The Members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (Disqualification on Ground of Defection) Rules, 2019.

The Speaker stated that he had received individual letters dated May 31, 2025, from the members informing him of their unanimous decision to merge with the NDPP. The members reportedly presented themselves before the Speaker in person on the same day to affirm their decision. Additionally, a letter from Chingwang Konyak, President of the NDPP, was received by the Speaker confirming that the party had accepted the merger and requested necessary orders be issued.

After examining the provisions of Paragraph 4(2) of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution and the 2019 Disqualification Rules, the Speaker observed that all seven NCP MLAs-constituting 100 percent of the NCP’s legislature party in the House-had opted for the merger. As such, the constitutional requirement of a two-thirds majority for merger had been fulfilled.

Satisfied with the validity of the claim, the Speaker declared the merger of all seven NCP MLAs with the NDPP with immediate effect from May 31, 2025. He also directed the Secretary-In-Charge of the Assembly to circulate the revised summary of party affiliation in accordance with Rule 4(3) of the Disqualification Rules.

A revised bulletin (No. 181) issued the same day officially updated the party affiliation status of the concerned members in Form Ill, appended to the 2019 Rules. The names and constituencies of the members have been listed as per the Election Commission of India’s notification dated March 2, 2023, which constituted the current 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly.