Ex-Nagaland CM says he has no hand in new party NDPP

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR | Jan 2

Former Nagaland chief minister, Neiphiu Rio, Lok Sabha MP today clarified that he has nothing to do with the newly floated regional party, the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP).

 Of late, there has been abounding speculation about Neiphiu Rio’s alleged dealing with the newly floated regional party, the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP).

 Neiphiu Rio said, “My suspension from the Naga People’s Front (NPF) party was revoked on December 14, 2017 to clear all misunderstandings and therefore, it is my natural choice to remain with the NPF to strengthen the party and serve the people”. 

Rio was suspended from the NPF in 2015. “Some like-minded people approached me to form a new political party for which I gave my moral support”, Rio said. However, in view of the present reconciliation process on the suggestion of the Election Commission of India and the requests of various public leaders, “I decided to resign from the post of President, NPF even though I was elected by a whopping majority on September 20th, 2017 at the General Convention at Dimapur under the Chief Ministership of Shri TR Zeliang and his group of MLAs”, he added.  

Neiphiu Rio then recalled that, after tendering his resignation on December 8, 2017, he had also extended his full support to the Presidentship of Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu and also withdrew the dispute case from the Election Commission of India on December 10, 2017.

 According to the former chief minister of Nagaland, he started his political career from Cock party, the United Democratic Front (now NPF) in 1974 as Youth President. “I also made sacrifices by stepping down from the ministry in 1990 headed by Late Vamuzo to accommodate fellow legislators. In 2002, I resigned from the Congress ministry headed by the then chief minister Dr. SC Jamir and revived the present NPF Party by way of making numerous sacrifices and maximum contributions. With Almighty God’s blessings and the people’s support, I went on to become the chief minister of the NPF led DAN government for three consecutive terms,” Rio further said.

 “Therefore, keeping these above-mentioned points in mind, I totally disassociate myself from the NDPP in every manner whatsoever. As a fledgling political party, I can only wish them well,” Rio added.