BJP will contest 20 seats and its partner NDPP 40 seats in Nagaland assembly poll

GUWAHATI: With seat sharing with its old ally, Naga People’s Front (NPF) did not materialise in Nagaland, BJP picks up new ally, National Democratic Political Party (NDPP), a regional political outfit.

Union minister Kiren Rijiju, who is also BJP’s poll in-charge for Nagaland who in Guwahati on Saturday announced that NDPP will contest 40 seats and BJP will contest 20 seats in the 60 member assembly.

The minister said, “Together we will get absolute majority. It is not that we are discarding or severing ties with our old ally, NPF. We had talks on seat sharing with but it did not materialise.”


BJP is partner in the NPF led Democratic Alliance coalition ruling Nagaland. Former Nagaland chief minister and Lok Sabha MP, Neiphiu Rio recently resigned from NPF and joined the NDPP.

Core Committee of Nagaland Tribal Hohos and Civil Organisations (CCNTHCO) is spearheading a movement for solution to several old Naga political problem before election.

As many as 11 political including BJP political has resolved not to give party tickets or file nomination for the assembly polls. However later BJP made a u-turn and decided to contest election.

Rijiju said, “Candidate will start filling nomination from Monday onwards. Nagaland is sensitive state and we are taking special care to resolve the Naga issue. While we appreciate the sentiments of CCNTHCO, we appeal them not to boycott election for election is a constitutional requirement. Central government cannot withheld or delay a constitutional process.”

He added, “We feel that election will facilitate the Naga peace process and if a government is there it will be in position to implement the same.”

The minister of state for home affairs hoped both underground and over ground organisations will cooperate and assist in successful conduct of polls.

NSCN-IM and Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) — a conglomeration of six insurgent groups has warned the political parties to adhere to joint declaration.Till Friday despite elapse of three days no nomination was filed
Rijiju said the political scenario in Nagaland has changed and BJP is no longer a fringe party. BJP is a major force. “ The armed cadre of any outfit must not create any hurdle and adhere to ceasefire ground rules.”