Sat May 31 17:02:47 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by its rewrite as a news article:

**Summary:**

All seven Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLAs in Nagaland have merged with the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), giving Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s party an absolute majority in the state assembly. The Speaker has approved the merger, citing compliance with constitutional requirements. The move strengthens the NDPP’s position and the Chief Minister’s leadership. This development also raises questions regarding future seat-sharing arrangements within the ruling alliance and the possibility of a cabinet reshuffle. The NDPP emphasizes its focus on local issues compared to the national agenda of the NCP.

**News Article:**

**NDPP Gains Absolute Majority in Nagaland Assembly as NCP MLAs Merge**

**Kohima, May 31, 2025:** In a significant political development, all seven Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in Nagaland have officially joined the ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), securing an absolute majority for the party in the 60-member State Assembly. The merger was confirmed Saturday evening.

The move elevates the NDPP’s strength from 25 to 32 seats, solidifying Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s position. The Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Sharingain Longkumer, approved the merger after the seven NCP MLAs submitted formal letters expressing their decision. The Speaker cited compliance with the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, which governs defections, in approving the move.

The MLAs who have joined the NDPP are Namri Nchang, Picto Shohe, Y Mhonbemo Humtsoe, Y Mankhao Konyak, A Pongshi Phom, P Longon, and S Toiho Yeptho.

State Minister KG Kenye, speaking at a press conference, emphasized the positive impact of the merger on the government’s ability to serve the people more effectively. He added that the leadership of CM Rio was a significant factor in attracting the MLAs to the NDPP.

While the merger strengthens the NDPP’s position, it also raises questions about future seat-sharing arrangements within the ruling alliance, which includes the BJP (with 12 seats) and several smaller parties. Kenye acknowledged that every election cycle brings new dynamics that may necessitate a re-evaluation of existing arrangements. He also stated that the decision regarding a potential cabinet reshuffle rests solely with the Chief Minister.

Kenye further explained that the NDPP’s focus on local issues, as a regional party, resonated more strongly with the MLAs compared to the national agenda of the NCP.

NCP leaders and the MLAs who switched sides were unavailable for comment.

The Nagaland Legislative Assembly also includes five NPP legislators, two members each of the LJP (Ram Vilas), Naga People’s Front and RPI (Athawale), a JD(U) MLA and four Independents. The State Assembly is currently without an opposition party.

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