Neiphiu Rio Takes Charge as Leader of NPF Legislature Party in Nagaland

Leadership Transition in Nagaland

Kohima: Neiphiu Rio has been appointed as the leader of the NPF legislature party (NPFLP) in Nagaland.

This decision follows a resolution passed by Rio's Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) on Saturday, which initiated a merger with the Naga People’s Front (NPF).

The NPF legislature party convened at the Chief Minister's residence on Saturday to discuss the merger, leading to this significant development.

Rio expressed his gratitude on social media, stating, 'I am honored to be elected as the leader of the NPF legislature party. Together with NPFLP, we met with Hon'ble Speaker Shri Sharingain Longkumer and submitted our documents. I am thankful to my colleagues and party organizations for their trust in my leadership and to the Almighty for His guidance and blessings.'

According to sources, NPF president Apong Pongener and secretary general Achumbemo Kikon have also submitted the merger acceptance documents to Speaker Longkumer.

With this merger, the NPF has expanded from just two members in the 60-member assembly to a total of 34.

The NPF is set to celebrate its 63rd foundation day with a general convention and official welcome ceremony in Kohima on October 21.

Rio previously resigned as home minister in S C Jamir's Congress government in 2002 and established the Nagaland People’s Council (NPC), which was later renamed the Naga People’s Front (NPF) to extend its influence beyond Nagaland, particularly into Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.

Under his leadership, the NPF secured victories in three consecutive assembly elections in 2003, 2008, and 2013, before he vacated his seat in 2014 to serve as a Lok Sabha MP.

However, due to internal conflicts, Rio departed from the NPF in 2017 and played a key role in forming the NDPP.

In alliance with the BJP, the NDPP contested the 2018 elections under a 40-20 seat-sharing agreement, forming the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) government. Although the NPF, led by then Chief Minister T R Zeliang, became the largest party with 26 seats, it could not secure enough support to form a government.

The NDPP-BJP coalition (NDPP 25 and BJP 12) regained power in 2023, supported by other parties including NCP (7), NPP (5), LJP (Ram Vilas) and RPI (Athawale) (2 each), JD(U) (1), and Independents (4).

The NPF, which was reduced to two MLAs, provided unconditional support to the Rio-led government, resulting in the 14th Nagaland Assembly being oppositionless.

Following the NPF's proposal for Chief Minister Rio to return to the regional party and assume leadership, a series of discussions were conducted by the NDPP.