Nagaland Speaker recognises merger of 5 NPP MLAs with NPF, boosting ruling bloc to 39
Synopsis
Nagaland's ruling NPF has absorbed all five NPP MLAs in a constitutionally recognised merger, taking its assembly tally to 39 out of 60 seats. The move effectively ends NPP's presence as a standalone legislative force in the state and further tightens Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio's grip on the Nagaland assembly.
Key Takeaways
Nagaland Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer formally recognised the merger of 5 NPP MLAs with the ruling NPF on 2 October 2026 .
The merger was declared under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution and the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (Disqualification on Ground of Defection) Rules, 2019 .
The five MLAs are A.
Nyamnyei Konyak , Nuklutoshi , C.
Kipili Sangtam , Tseilhoutuo Rhutso , and Benei M Lamthiu .
NPF's strength in the 60-member Nagaland Assembly has risen to 39 seats .
The ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) also includes 12 BJP , 2 LJP-RV , 2 RPI-A , 1 JD-U members and 4 Independents .
Nagaland Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer on Friday, 2 October 2026, formally recognised the merger of all five National People's Party (NPP) legislators with the ruling Naga People's Front (NPF), a day after the realignment was formalised at an event in Dimapur. The move pushes the NPF's strength in the 60-member Nagaland Legislative Assembly to 39 seats.
How the Merger Was Formalised
Nagaland Legislative Assembly Secretary Khruohituonuo Rio issued a formal notification stating that the Speaker's declaration was made in accordance with the provisions of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution of India and the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (Disqualification on Ground of Defection) Rules, 2019. The five MLAs had personally appeared before the Speaker and submitted the requisite merger documents.
The Five Legislators Who Crossed Over
The MLAs who merged with the NPF are A. Nyamnyei Konyak (Moka Assembly constituency), Nuklutoshi (Arkakong Assembly constituency), C. Kipili Sangtam (Seyochung-Sitimi Assembly constituency), Tseilhoutuo Rhutso (Kohima Town Assembly constituency) and Benei M Lamthiu (Thonoknyu Assembly constituency). Their formal switch on Thursday evening took place in the presence of Chief Minister and NPF President Neiphiu Rio, NPF Secretary General Achumbemo Kikon, and other senior party leaders.
What the Legislators and CM Said
According to an NPF statement, the five legislators said they had voluntarily joined the party and expressed confidence in the leadership of Chief Minister Rio. They also stated that they accepted the NPF's ideology and policies and would work towards strengthening the regional outfit and serving the people of the state. Chief Minister Rio described the decision as a 'welcome step' that would further consolidate the regional party.
Current Assembly Arithmetic
With the NPF now commanding 39 of 60 seats, the broader ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) remains intact. The assembly currently comprises 12 BJP legislators, two Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas members, two Republican Party of India-Athawale members, one Janata Dal-United member, and four Independents. The BJP and all other parties are constituents of the NPF-led UDA government, meaning the treasury bench retains a commanding majority. Notably, this consolidation effectively wipes out the NPP as a distinct legislative entity within the Nagaland Assembly, marking a significant restructuring of the state's political landscape ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Point of View
A tally of 39 in a 60-seat house is a near-supermajority that insulates his government from any internal challenge. What is less clear is whether this consolidation reflects genuine ideological convergence or is simply the latest episode in Nagaland's long history of political realignment driven by access to power rather than programmatic differences. With the UDA now commanding a lopsided majority, opposition accountability within the House risks becoming structurally weak — a concern that goes beyond the fortunes of any single party.
NationPress
2 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the five NPP MLAs merge with the NPF in Nagaland?
The five NPP legislators said they voluntarily joined the NPF, expressing confidence in Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio's leadership and accepting the party's ideology and policies. The merger was formalised at an event in Dimapur on 1 October 2026 and received constitutional recognition from the Assembly Speaker the following day.
What is the Tenth Schedule and how does it apply here?
The Tenth Schedule of the Constitution of India lays down the anti-defection law, which governs when legislators can switch parties without losing their seats. A merger is permitted — and exempted from disqualification — if at least two-thirds of a party's legislative members in that house agree to it; with all five of the NPP's five MLAs joining, the merger clears this threshold.
How many seats does the NPF now hold in the Nagaland Assembly?
Following the merger, the NPF holds 39 seats in the 60-member Nagaland Legislative Assembly. The broader ruling United Democratic Alliance, which also includes BJP, LJP-Ram Vilas, RPI-Athawale, JD-U and four Independents, commands the full treasury bench.
Who are the five MLAs who joined the NPF?
The five legislators are A. Nyamnyei Konyak (Moka), Nuklutoshi (Arkakong), C. Kipili Sangtam (Seyochung-Sitimi), Tseilhoutuo Rhutso (Kohima Town) and Benei M Lamthiu (Thonoknyu).
What does this merger mean for Nagaland politics going forward?
The NPP no longer has a separate legislative presence in the Nagaland Assembly, making the NPF the dominant regional force by a wide margin. The lopsided majority strengthens Chief Minister Rio's position but also reduces the effective opposition footprint in the House ahead of the next state election cycle.
