Overview

• The Naga People’s Front said it has officially joined the People’s Democratic Alliance government led by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, according to an ordinance announced by secretary general Achumbemo Kikon.
• Separate conventions of the NDPP on October 18 and the NPF on October 21 in Kohima are scheduled, with leaders saying the merger could be declared at the latter meeting.
• The Hindu reports the alliance now faces no formal Opposition in the 60-member Assembly, with NDPP at 32 MLAs and BJP at 12, though reporting on NPF strength varies between two and five MLAs.
• A PDA meeting on October 15 resolved to accept the NPF as a full-fledged partner and recorded the BJP leadership’s endorsement of its inclusion.
• Neiphiu Rio’s visit to veteran leader Shurhozelie Liezietsu was framed as seeking blessings ahead of the anticipated unification.