JD(U) pulls out of Nagaland’s ruling alliance

The ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) is crumbling ahead of February 27 assembly elections in Nagaland, with Janata Dal (United) pulling out of the 15-year-old coalition led by Naga People Front (NPF).

BJP, another partner in the ruling alliance, has already announced that it will contest the upcoming elections in alliance with newly formed National Democratic Political Party (NDPP).

JD(U) on Monday announced it would contest the elections on its own, without entering into any pre-poll alliance.


State JD(U) president Senchumo NSN Lotha and its election campaign committee chairman Y M Humtsoe alleged that there was hardly any governance in the last five years under DAN rule as it was marred by constant infighting for leadership between NPF and BJP.

JD (U) alleged that the game of throne was “repeatedly and mercilessly” played without taking into consideration the welfare of the people. “The responsibilities bestowed upon the representatives as members of legislative assembly were thrown into the thin air and many legislators had to innocently flock to political Lords who had no iota of concern for a stable government,” the party stated.

NPF has declared that it will contest 58 seats out of the 60 seats in the state assembly.

Meanwhile, Nagaland Congress (NC), a regional political party led by Nillo Rengma, has announced merger with National People's Party (NPP) founded by former Lok Sabha speaker P A Sangma.

NPP is a partner in BJP-led coalition in Manipur and is an opposition party in Meghalaya.