Nagaland: End of an era and dawn of unity as NDPP merges with NPF

KOHIMA — Putting an end to widespread speculation, the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) on Saturday officially announced its decision to merge with the Naga People’s Front (NPF), marking a historic unification of two major regional parties in Nagaland.

The decision was taken during the NDPP’s 6th general convention held at the Capital Cultural Hall in Kohima. The resolution was read out by Minister and Convenor of the Resolution Committee KG Kenye, and was seconded by Minister CL John before being put to a unanimous vote by a show of hands.

During the convention, members deliberated in detail on the merger proposal extended by NPF and function as a single regional entity under the NPF banner. After thorough discussions and in accordance with Article X of the NDPP constitution, the house adopted a resolution accepting the offer.

In its resolution, the NDPP stated that it “welcomes and accepts the offer of the NPF to amalgamate and merge as one regional political party in the greater interest of the Naga cause and the Naga people.”

Also read: Neiphiu Rio calls for Naga unity, hails NDPP-NPF merger as historic

The party described the unconditional offer of the NPF as “a mature and well-calibrated move” aimed at strengthening and unifying the regional political voice in Nagaland.

It expressed confidence that the merger with the NPF will further strengthen and carry forward the ideals of a regional political party in working towards resolving the age-old Indo-Naga political issue while continuing to be the voice of the Naga people.

It stated that the merging of the two regional parties would help further cement the shared dreams and aspirations of a vibrant and developed society.

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Reaffirming its commitment to the people, the NDPP stated that it continues to stand firm in its vision of moving “towards a state of excellence,” and that these commitments will be further strengthened under the unified banner of a single regional political party. The party asserted that only through unified strength can the much-needed attention and effort be brought to take the Naga people forward.

Acknowledging the leadership that has guided the party thus far, the NDPP lauded the “sheer dynamism” of its President, Chingwang Konyak, and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, stating that their political presence and leadership have brought the party to its current position, while extending its unwavering support and endorsement to them in ensuring a smooth transition of the merger with the NPF.

In his presidential address, Chingwang Konyak highlighted that in 2017 Nagaland had been crying out for stability, strong leadership, and policies that would change the destiny of the state in a positive manner.

Read more: NPF officially joins PDA government in Nagaland

Thus, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was formed on May 17, 2017, inspired by the shared belief that Nagaland’s destiny must be shaped by its own people, guided by the principle of “Deeds, Not Words,” after the conduct of its 1st general convention at Niathu Resort, Chümoukedima.

At the 2nd general convention, as per the advice of the Election Commission of India (ECI), the nomenclature of DPP was changed to Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), he shared.

The president further highlighted the milestones of NDPP, which was formally registered with the ECI on October 13, 2017, with the party symbol allocated on December 7, 2017, besides the party being given recognition and its symbol reserved on April 17, 2018.

He stated that the NDPP has emerged as the largest political party in Nagaland over the past five years and has emerged victorious in all the elections it has contested since its formation, except the 2024 Lok Sabha election. He added that the NDPP remains the largest regional party in the state.

He highlighted that the NDPP is a member of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the national level and a member of the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), and has been actively and positively participating in all national-level programmes for recognised and represented parties under the aegis of ECI.

Also read: NPF President offers to step down to pave way for Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio

He informed that the NDPP has 83,591 active members and 1,68,401 primary members enrolled in the party, with a total membership of 2,51,992.

Highlighting that on September 12, the NDPP central executive board (CEB), in its meeting, had discussed the resolution adopted by the central executive council (CEC) of NPF and the letter of offer by the secretary general of NPF, he said that the CEB decided to call an NDPP general convention according to the prescribed constitutional provisions to take a final decision.

Speaking about the merger, Chingwang said, “Personally, I am not in favour of the NDPP merging with any other political party, but I won’t let my personal feelings override the majority decision of the NDPP general convention. Our greatest strength lies in our unity and discipline. Let us rise above personal feelings and ambitions and remain dedicated to our collective goal—the progress and peace in Nagaland.”

He called upon party workers to move forward together in harmony and shared determination.

Chingwang further extended gratitude to all party men and women for their unwavering faith and support.