Ajit Pawar’s NCP Loses Ground as Nagaland MLAs Merge with Ruling NDPP

In a significant political shift in Nagaland, all seven Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) have merged with the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. This move, announced on May 31, 2025, has dealt a major blow to the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, stripping it of its entire representation in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly and strengthening the NDPP’s dominance in the 60-member house. The defection, which boosts the NDPP’s tally from 25 to 32 seats, underscores the challenges national parties face in addressing state-specific issues in India’s Northeast.

The seven MLAs—Namri Nchang, Picto Shohe, Y. Mhonbemo Humtsoe, Y. Mankhao Konyak, A. Pongshi Phom, P. Longon, and S. Toiho Yeptho—formally submitted their merger letters to Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer. According to official statements, the merger complies with the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which exempts collective defections from the anti-defection law when they involve an entire party unit. This legal provision allowed the MLAs to join the NDPP without risking disqualification, as confirmed by Nagaland’s government spokesperson and minister, KG Kenye, during a press conference. The speaker has since directed the assembly secretariat to update the MLAs’ party affiliations, cementing the NDPP’s absolute majority.

Recent reports indicate that the MLAs’ decision stemmed from growing discontent with the NCP’s inability to address local issues effectively. Ajit Pawar, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader, acknowledged that the MLAs had raised concerns about the lack of development work and political traction in Nagaland several months ago. Despite discussions with Chief Minister Rio to resolve these issues, the MLAs opted to align with the NDPP, which they perceive as better equipped to tackle regional challenges like infrastructure deficits, unemployment, and the ongoing Naga Peace Accord negotiations. This sentiment was echoed in posts on X, where users noted the merger reflects a preference for regional parties that prioritize state-specific agendas over national ones.

The defection significantly alters Nagaland’s political landscape. In the 2023 Nagaland Assembly elections, the NDPP secured 25 seats, followed by its ally, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with 12 seats, and the NCP with seven, making it the third-largest party. The merger now gives the NDPP a clear majority, reducing its reliance on the BJP and other coalition partners, which include five National People’s Party (NPP) legislators, two each from the Naga People’s Front (NPF) and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), one from Janata Dal (United), and four independents. Political analysts suggest this consolidation could stabilize Rio’s government but may also strain relations with the BJP, as some X posts speculate that the merger aims to curb the BJP’s growing influence in the state.

For the NCP, this loss is a stark reminder of the challenges national parties face in maintaining relevance in Northeast India, where regional identities and issues often dominate politics. The party’s diminished presence in Nagaland could weaken its national standing, especially as it navigates internal challenges in Maharashtra. Pawar has stated he is gathering more details about the defection, but the collective nature of the move leaves little room for legal recourse under the anti-defection law. Experts note that such mergers highlight the fluidity of regional politics and the strategic importance of aligning with parties that resonate with local voters.

The NDPP, under Rio’s leadership, has capitalized on its regional appeal since its formation in 2017. Its steady growth, from 18 seats in 2018 to 25 in 2023, reflects its ability to address socio-economic issues like power outages, healthcare access, and the unresolved Naga political issue. The addition of the NCP MLAs positions the NDPP to push its agenda more assertively, though it must now balance the expectations of its expanded base with coalition dynamics.

This political realignment in Nagaland underscores the complexities of governance in India’s Northeast. As the NDPP strengthens its hold, the NCP’s exit from the state assembly raises questions about the future of national parties in regions where local priorities dominate. The merger’s long-term impact on Nagaland’s political stability and development goals will depend on how effectively the NDPP leverages its newfound majority.