The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) has clarified that the recent induction of seven legislators from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) will have no bearing on its existing alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) under the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) in Nagaland.
The recent merger of all seven NCP legislators with the ruling NDPP in Nagaland has sparked growing speculation both within and outside the state, raising questions about its potential impact on the existing seat-sharing arrangement and the political dynamics within the ruling alliance.
In a statement on Tuesday, the NDPP said the new political development will only serve to “strengthen the PDA alliance,” and reassured its coalition partner that there is no shift in the alliance’s internal dynamics.
“The NDPP also puts on record that the joining of the seven Hon’ble members and their supporters does not in any way affect the existing dynamics between the NDPP and the BJP in the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA),” the party stated. “In fact, the NDPP is of the opinion that this will only further help in strengthening the Alliance with more members and that the PDA will grow stronger in the days to come.”
The seven NCP MLAs, who joined the NDPP on May 31, were welcomed for their “faith in regional leadership” and their alignment with the NDPP’s vision under party president Chingwang Konyak and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.
The party further stated that this move reiterates the belief that the regional party is an entity that feels and understands the needs and aspirations of the people, and that the regional party is in a better position to carry forward the voice of the people.
While terming the move as a boost for the party’s efforts to amplify regional voices and contribute to the Indo-Naga political dialogue, the NDPP was keen to dispel any speculation of a rift or realignment in the state’s ruling coalition.
“The NDPP firmly assures our alliance partner the BJP as well as the people of the state that the PDA will continue to function as it has been for the last seven years; albeit, stronger and more united,” the party emphasized, adding that its commitment to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the national level also remains unchanged.
“Our collective role as a contributing member of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will continue with renewed vigor and commitment,” the party stated.
The NDPP asserted that the current developments mark a step forward in “building a vibrant and progressive state for future generations.”
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