All 7 NCP MLAs in Nagaland merge with NDPP, CM Rio gives absolute majority in the assembly

All seven Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Nagaland joined the ruling nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), giving the Chief Minister an absolute majority in the 60 -member assembly to the Chief Minister NeePhu Rio -led party.With this merger, the NDPP tally increased from 25 to 32. The NCP 2023 emerged as the third largest party in the assembly elections, after the NDPP and its ally BJP, who won 12 seats.Addressing a press conference on Saturday, Nagaland Government spokesman KG Kane said that the third largest group in the state assembly along with 7 members has formally merged with the NDPP.Kenny said, “We have joined some more friends in the NDPP party force this evening; this time there are 9 groups in the state assembly and out of it, the NCP party is the third largest group in the state assembly with 7 members.”The speaker of the House has accepted the merger application. As a result, the strength of NDPP in the state assembly has increased from 25 to 32 members.Kane insisted that this development Chief Minister Dr. Will strengthen Rio’s leadership and increase the capacity of the government to serve people.He clarified that the coalition seat-sharing system is not permanent and can be reconsidered in future elections. On making ministerial reshuffle, he said that it comes under the privilege of the Chief Minister.Addressing the reason behind the step of merger, he reported that national parties such as NCP faced obstacles in addressing state-specific issues. This step was inspired by the will of a more state-centric political approach.He said that the merger was influenced by the political need and the leadership appeal of the present government and the NDPP leaders.Apart from 32 NDPP and 12 BJP MLAs, there are five NPP MLAs in the state assembly, each of LJP (Ram Vilas), two members, Naga People’s Front and RPI (Athwell, one JD (U) MLA and four are independent.