Rio finally end ties with ruling NPF; joins newly floated NDPP

January 17, 2018 895 Views No Comment

Naga Republic News

In a significant political development, three times former Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio has announced his decision to formally join the newly formed Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP).

With this announcement, Neiphiu Rio has finally walked away from the ruling Naga Peoples Front (NPF) that he helped resurrect and lead to three electoral wins. The NPF had recently decided to contest the forthcoming Assembly Elections with present incumbent TR Zeliang as the Chief Ministerial candidate.

Announcing the decision of Rio to join the party, NDPP President Chingwang Konyak in a press communiqué informed that a team of senior party members had met Rio at the latter’s residence in Dimapur on January 17, 2018 with an appeal to the Lok Sabha Member of Parliament to formally join the NDPP and lead the party in the forthcoming Assembly Elections.

The NDPP leaders that met Rio included its President Chingwang Konyak and Working President Alemtemshi Jamir.

Rio has formally accepted the invitation of the NDPP and in this regard thanked the party leadership including all the rank and file for the invitation. The NDPP on its part has welcomed the former Chief Minister into the party fold.

Though no unexpected, the decision of Rio to formally join the NDPP comes against the backdrop of an official statement issued by him on January 2, 2018 stating that he was totally disassociating himself from the NDPP.

On that occasion Rio had stated in his letter that he was clarifying to “abounding speculation” of his “alleged dealing with the newly floated regional party, the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP)”. Rio had gone on to state that his “natural choice” was to remain with the NPF to “strengthen the party and serve the people”.

Meanwhile the Lok Sabha MP in his interactions with the NDPP leaders on January 17 acknowledged the fact that the NDPP was formed to bring positive change in Naga society and implement the vision that ensures transparency in governance, implement progressive development and combat corruption.

The NDPP has appealed to all sections of the people to come and join hands under the banner of the party and collectively work for common endeavors of bringing lasting peace, positive change and inclusive development in society.

See text of press release below