Nagaland Power Shift: All 5 NPP MLAs Merge With Ruling NPF
In a major political shift in Nagaland, all five NPP MLAs have merged with the ruling Naga People’s Front (NPF) to strengthen the regional force.
The political landscape in Nagaland has witnessed a massive consolidation as all five Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from the National People’s Party (NPP) have officially merged with the ruling Naga People’s Front (NPF). This strategic move, confirmed via an Assembly notification from the Speaker, significantly alters the strength of the ruling coalition in the state.
The Defectors and the Formal Merger
The merger took place during a high-profile gathering in Dimapur. The move was conducted in the presence of Chief Minister and NPF President, Neiphiu Rio, along with party Secretary General Achumbemo Kikon and several other senior leaders. The five legislators who have transitioned to the NPF are:
- A. Nyamnyei Konyak (48 Moka AC)
- Nuklutoshi (22 Arkakong AC)
- C. Kipili Sangtam (59 Seyochung-Sitimi AC)
- Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhutso (9 Kohima Town AC)
- Benei M. Lamthiu (57 Thonoknyu AC)
According to an official press release, the MLAs emphasized that their decision to join the NPF was entirely voluntary. They expressed their unwavering faith in the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and stated they are fully aligned with the ideology and policy framework of the NPF.
Strengthening the Regional Identity
Welcoming the new members into the fold, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio hailed the move as a positive development for the state. He remarked that the decision to join the NPF—a party he claims represents the true identity and aspirations of the Naga people—is a welcome step that will bolster the regional political force.
Rio expressed confidence that this influx of legislators would significantly strengthen the party's position as it prepares for future political challenges.
A Massive Shift in Assembly Numbers
This latest merger follows a pattern of consolidation within the state's political arena. Earlier in October 2025, the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), the largest party in Nagaland, also merged with the NPF following a formal resolution at its Sixth General Convention in Kohima.
With the addition of the five NPP MLAs, the NPF's dominance in the 60-member Assembly has grown substantially. The current breakdown of the house is as follows:
- Naga People's Front (NPF): 39 MLAs
- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): 12 MLAs
Political analysts view these successive mergers as a calculated consolidation of power aimed at a common Naga cause, providing the NPF with a formidable advantage as the state looks toward the 2028 Legislative Assembly elections.