Ahead of the Nagaland Assembly polls, former three-time Nagaland Chief Minister and lone Naga People’s Front (NPF) Lok Sabha Member Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday formally joined the newly-floated Nagaland Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP).
Rio on Wednesday told the media that he has welcomed the appeal of the NDPP to join the newly-formed party and formally accepted its invitation.
It may be mentioned Rio’s decision to join Nagaland Democratic Progressive Party has been considered as a significant one as the struggle for power within the ruling NPF party continues despite the fact that the party had reconciled among the party leaders.
In a statement the NDPP said, the NDPP, led by its president Chingwang Konyak and working president Alemtemshi Jamir along with other senior leaders called on former Nagaland CM and MP Rio at the latter’s Dimapur residence on Wednesday.
Chingwang Konyak stated that they appealed to Rio to formally join the NDPP and lead the party.
On the acceptance of the invitation to join the party, the NDPP has welcomed Rio to the party.
On the other hand, rumours are doing the round that Chief Minister TR Zeliang is in touch with lone National People’s Party Lok Sabha member Conrad K Sangma to contest the ensuing Assembly polls on the NPP symbol. The term of the 60-member Nagaland Assembly will expire on March 13, 2018.
During his interaction with NDPP leaders, Chingwang Konyak and Alemtemshi Jamir, Rio acknowledged that the NDPP was formed to bring positive changes in the Naga society and implement a vision that ensured transparency in governance, implement progressive development and combat corruption.
With the joining of Rio, Konyak expressed hope that many like-minded leaders and even sitting legislators would join the NDPP.
“The NDPP will leave no stone unturned in its efforts to mobilise public opinion and support aimed at achieving an early political solution and realisation of genuine peace, real unity and collective brotherhood,” NDPP president Konyak further stated.
