Kohima: The Naga People’s Front (NPF) on Tuesday formally became part of the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) government in Nagaland, led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio — a move that sets the stage for the long-discussed merger between the NPF and the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP).
Confirming the development, NPF secretary general Achumbemo Kikon said the party’s two MLAs, who had been extending outside support to the PDA since the 2023 assembly election, would now be part of the government.
The PDA is an alliance of the NDPP and the BJP.
“The president of the NPF hereby promulgates this ordinance to the effect that the NPF shall officially join the People’s Democratic Alliance Government under the leadership of Dr Neiphiu Rio,” Kikon stated.
The announcement comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the proposed merger of the two dominant regional forces in the state.
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Rio, accompanied by Parliamentary Affairs and Power Minister KG Kenye, called on veteran regional leader and former NPF president Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu.
The meeting, viewed as a gesture of reconciliation, is being seen as symbolically significant in Nagaland’s often fluid political landscape.
Posting on X after the visit, Rio wrote: “I visited Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu to pay my respects to my elder and seek his blessings for the political journey ahead. I thank him for his guidance and wish him good health and long life.”
Rio, who revived the NPF after quitting the Congress government led by S.C. Jamir in 2002, rose to power as chief minister following the 2003 assembly elections.
He later broke away from the NPF in 2017 during Liezietsu’s presidency to form the NDPP, which, in alliance with the BJP, ended the NPF’s 15-year rule by winning the 2018 polls.
The NDPP currently holds 32 seats in the 60-member Assembly, while the NPF has two.
The NDPP is set to hold its general convention on October 18, followed by the NPF convention on October 21 — which coincides with the NPF’s 63rd foundation day and is expected to formalise the merger of the two parties.
While NDPP leaders have refrained from commenting publicly, Kikon maintained that the realignment is aimed at strengthening the regional political front.
“This is not just about numbers or power equations,” he said. “It’s about uniting regional voices to further the common aspirations of the Naga people.”
