Five National People’s Party (NPP) MLAs in Nagaland have joined the ruling Naga People’s Front (NPF), increasing the regional party’s strength in the 60-member Nagaland Legislative Assembly. The Assembly Speaker formally approved the merger through a notification issued on October 1, 2026.
The legislators completed the merger under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution and the relevant anti-defection rules. The move further consolidates the NPF’s position in Nagaland politics. Following the merger, the NPF now has 39 MLAs, while its alliance partner, the BJP, has 12 legislators.
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Key Facts
- State: Nagaland
- Assembly strength: 60 members
- MLAs joining NPF: 5 NPP legislators
- NPF strength after merger: 39 MLAs
- BJP strength: 12 MLAs
- Approval date: October 1, 2026
- Speaker: Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker
- Merger location: Dimapur
- NPF president: Neiphiu Rio
- Legal provision: Tenth Schedule of the Constitution
Five NPP MLAs Join NPF
The five NPP legislators who joined the NPF are A. Nyamnyei Konyak of Moka, Nuklutoshi of Arkakong, C. Kipili Sangtam of Seyochung-Sitimi, Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhutso of Kohima Town and Benei M. Lamthiu of Thonoknyu.
The legislators completed the merger process in Dimapur. Chief Minister and NPF president Neiphiu Rio, along with NPF adviser and secretary general Achumbemo Kikon and other senior party leaders, attended the event.
Afterward, the five MLAs appeared before the Assembly Speaker and submitted the required merger documents.
Speaker Formally Approves Merger
The Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker issued the formal notification on October 1.
The notification recognised the merger under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution and the Members of Nagaland Legislative Assembly (Disqualification on Ground of Defection) Rules, 2019.
According to the NPF, all five MLAs said they joined the party voluntarily. They also expressed support for Rio’s leadership and accepted the NPF’s ideology and policies.
Neiphiu Rio Welcomes the MLAs
Neiphiu Rio welcomed the five legislators into the NPF.
According to the party, Rio described their decision as a welcome development and said their entry would strengthen the regional party.
The latest development adds to a series of political realignments involving the NPF in recent years.
NPF Has Seen Several Political Realignments
In October 2025, 31 MLAs from the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) merged with the NPF. The Assembly formally recognised that merger from October 18, 2025.
Meanwhile, the Rising People’s Party (RPP) also merged with the NPF in July 2026.
With the addition of the five NPP MLAs, the NPF now holds 39 seats in the 60-member Assembly. Its alliance partner, the BJP, has 12 MLAs.
The latest political realignment comes ahead of the 2028 Nagaland Assembly elections and changes the composition of the state’s ruling political formation.
Location Context
Nagaland is an important state in Northeast India, with regional parties playing a significant role in its political system. Changes in the Assembly’s composition can therefore influence the state’s governing arrangements and political alliances.
Questions and Answers
What happened in Nagaland?
Five NPP MLAs merged with the ruling NPF.
When did the Speaker approve the merger?
The Assembly Speaker formally approved the merger on October 1, 2026.
How many MLAs does the NPF now have?
The NPF has 39 MLAs in the 60-member Assembly.
Who are the five NPP MLAs?
They are A. Nyamnyei Konyak, Nuklutoshi, C. Kipili Sangtam, Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhutso and Benei M. Lamthiu.
Which law governs the merger?
The merger took place under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution and Nagaland’s anti-defection rules.
What is the significance of the merger?
The move increases the NPF’s strength and further reshapes the political composition of the Nagaland Assembly ahead of the 2028 elections.
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