Mokokchung, January 15 (MTNews): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that a final agreement on seat sharing between BJP and NDPP in Nagaland would be finalized in New Delhi on January 18-19.
Sarma, who is the convener of the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) speaking to media persons on Sunday said, “There was discussions between us (BJP) and NDPP in Nagaland. It will be finalized in New Delhi on Jan 18-19. It was a meeting for the Nagaland election.”
Speaking about Tripura and Meghalaya elections he said, “The works (regarding elections in Meghalaya and Tripura) are underway there. There was something left regarding Nagaland, it has got over nicely.”
The announcement comes days after Nagaland CM Rio met Sarma at the latter’s residence on Thursday.
Sarma on Thursday said in a tweet that he was pleased to meet Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio at his residence and discuss “various issues of mutual interests.” He had stated that they deliberated on ways to “expedite our mutual development and strengthen the bond of camaraderie between the two States.”
Both, the BJP and the NDPP in July last year had announced that they will jointly contest the 2023 Assembly election in Nagaland. It was decided that the NDPP will contest in 40 seats and BJP on 20 seats.
However, there are speculations doing the rounds that the 40:20 seat sharing agreement between NDPP and BJP might see a change in the equation as the BJP wants a bigger share of the pie. While some state BJP leaders have openly suggested for the saffron party to go solo, some have demanded a 30:30 formula.
Meanwhile, the latest word out is that the BJP would demand a 24:36 formula. Leader of NPF Legislature Party and co- chairman of the UDA Government, Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, had recently stated that Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent visit to Nagaland could compel CM Neiphiu Rio-led NDPP to increase the BJP’s share in the seat sharing agreement.
“They (BJP and NDPP) will continue with the alliance but there is a rumor that Amit Shah has asked for an increase of four seats from 20 to 24 seats,” Azo was quoted as saying.