Kohima, Oct 18 (NationPress) The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), which holds a significant position within the ruling People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA), has reached an official decision to merge with the Naga People's Front (NPF) on Saturday.

The BJP, with 12 MLAs, alongside the NPF, which has two legislators, also forms part of the PDA. An influential member of the NDPP revealed that during the party's sixth general convention, it was decided unanimously that the NDPP would join forces with the NPF.

NDPP President Chingwang Konyak, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Deputy Chief Minister T R Zeliang, and numerous other ministers and legislators participated in this critical general convention, held at the Capital Cultural Hall in Kohima.

The official unification is scheduled to occur on October 21 during the NPF General Convention, which also celebrates the party's 63rd founding anniversary. All NDPP leaders engaged in thorough discussions regarding the integration of the two Naga parties under the NPF banner, recognized as one of the oldest regional parties in India.

The NPF boasts a robust organizational presence in Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, in addition to Nagaland. In the 60-member Manipur assembly, the NPF has 5 MLAs and previously acted as a junior partner to the BJP in the state. An NDPP leader indicated that after extensive discussions, the day-long general convention unanimously ratified the resolution in line with the NDPP's constitution.

“All NDPP leaders embraced the NPF's offer to unify into a single regional party for the greater benefit of the Naga cause and community,” the leader affirmed.

Referring to the NPF's initiative as “mature and well-calibrated”, the NDPP members expressed optimism that this merger would forge a stronger, cohesive regional force to amplify the voice and aspirations of the Naga populace.

Recognizing the leadership of both Konyak and Chief Minister Rio, the resolution attributed their “absolute dynamism and political presence” as pivotal in guiding the party to its current stature.

Prior to Saturday’s convention, senior leaders from both NDPP and NPF engaged in a series of meetings to finalize the transition process and select new leadership.

The NDPP separated from the NPF when CM Rio was suspended from the party in 2017. Sources suggest that Rio is anticipated to lead the newly unified NPF, with both Rio and Konyak characterizing the unification resolution as a “historic step” aimed at enhancing regional unity and fortifying the Naga cause.