Dimapur: The National People’s Party (NPP) on Saturday issued a show-cause notice to Nagaland MLA and leader of its Legislature Party, Nuklutoshi Longkumer, for allegedly acting against the party’s official position ahead of the April 9 by-election to the 43 Koridang Assembly constituency.
The notice, issued by NPP national general secretary Paknga Bage, asked Longkumer to explain within seven days why disciplinary action should not be initiated against him and why his conduct should not be treated as anti-party activity under the party’s constitution.
Citing information available in the public domain, including remarks made by Longkumer during a press interaction at the party’s Dimapur office on Friday, the NPP said he had reportedly expressed his intention to oppose the party’s officially nominated candidate, I. Abenjang.
The party stated that all members, particularly elected representatives, are bound to support officially nominated candidates, and any deviation would constitute a prima facie violation of party discipline.
The notice further warned that, depending on his response, action could include suspension pending inquiry or expulsion from the party.
Pending consideration of his reply, Longkumer has also been advised to refrain from making public statements or engaging in activities inconsistent with party directives, failing which interim disciplinary measures may be taken.
The NPP said that if no explanation is received within the stipulated time, it would proceed ex parte in accordance with its disciplinary procedures.
During his interaction with the media, Longkumer had questioned the candidate selection process, stating that the state unit was not consulted and had learned of the decision through media reports. He also argued that the party should not have fielded a candidate in Nagaland, citing the prevailing opposition-less political arrangement in the state.
He indicated that the state unit may formally convey its dissatisfaction to the party leadership and could refrain from campaigning for the candidate.