Pongener offers to step down for Rio amidst NDPP-NPF merger talk
Amidst reports of a possible merger between the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) and the Naga People’s Front (NPF), one issue stands out as central: the party’s enduring symbol, the “cock.” For over six decades, through multiple name changes, the cock has remained the emblem of NPF, embodying its legacy, identity, and political weight. Sources say this symbol, representing continuity and regional influence, may be central to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s consideration of a return.
NPF president Apong Pongener on Saturday, September 6, announced that he was prepared to resign if Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio chose to return to the party he once led.
“In the event of Dr Neiphiu Rio’s willingness to rejoin the Naga People’s Front, I, Apong Pongener, President of the NPF, hereby offer to resign from the presidency to pave the way for Dr Neiphiu Rio to lead the party and steer the party-led government in Nagaland,” Pongener declared before the Central Executive Council (CEC) at the party headquarters in Kohima.
The statement captivated Nagaland’s political circles, with sources telling Mokokchung Times that Rio’s potential interest in returning to the NPF is tied to legacy, numbers, and national ambitions.
Founded in 1963 under the name Democratic Party of Nagaland (DPN), the NPF has undergone several name changes over the decades but has retained its “cock” symbol and its regionalist motto.
Its nomenclature shifted to United Front of Nagaland (UFN) in 1969, United Democratic Front (UDF) in 1972, Naga Nationalist Democratic Party (NNDP) in 1980, Naga People’s Council (NPC) in 1998, Nagaland People’s Front in 2002, and finally to Naga People’s Front (NPF).
Reliable sources explained why Chief Minister Rio may see value in returning to his old party. “During the UDF time, Rio started his political career from this party. Yes, the party changed its name but the ‘cock’ symbol was retained. The Election Commission of India (ECI) is about to recognize the Naga People’s Front (NPF) as one of the oldest regional parties in India. Earlier, the NPF, although named the United Democratic Front, was instrumental in facilitating the Naga Political issue. In 1964, about 12 MLAs were elected from the party, and it was during JP Narayan’s time that the party was able to broker a ceasefire. NPF has contributed a lot to the Naga Political Issue. So, the party has a cherished legacy for our Chief Minister Rio. And there is speculation that the Indo-Naga peace talk is coming to an end in the near political future. This could be one of the core reasons behind the possible merger.”
The source added that Rio’s interests are also shaped by numbers and national ambitions. “NDPP is more of an offshoot party,” the source explained. “In Delhi, Dr Rio is recognized, but when people look at the numbers, he is being diminished. He has only one MP, and in 2018 NDPP had only 18 MLAs; this time it is 25 MLAs although after the NCP merger, it is 32 but still less compared to counterparts like the Assam Chief Minister. So, people often overlook it.”
According to the source, the NPF offers broader political prospects, with five MLAs in Manipur and a party unit in Arunachal Pradesh established under Rio’s initiative. If strengthened further, the NPF could meet the Election Commission of India’s criteria for recognition as a national party. “That would give us greater bargaining power at the Centre, and perhaps even a cabinet berth at the central level. These are also among the ambitions of Chief Minister Rio,” the source said.
During the NPF CEC meeting held today, NPF Legislature Party leader Kuzholuzo Nienu described Rio as a “pure regionalist” and welcomed his possible return. He confirmed that the process of bringing the two regional parties together had begun, though he cautioned against premature speculation.
Arguing that smaller states like Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur cannot sustain two rival regional parties, Nienu said many Nagas desire only one strong regional party.
After the meeting, NPF Secretary General Achumbemo Kikon said the CEC reaffirmed its February 12 resolution inviting all former comrades to rejoin the party, with a special appeal for Rio to return and assume leadership. The council also appealed to regional-minded legislators, parliamentarians, and like-minded parties to unite under the NPF umbrella, and authorized the president to constitute a central election board if new developments arise.
The CEC also reiterated its call for an early, honorable, acceptable, and inclusive solution to the Naga political issue and urged Naga national workers to reconcile in the larger interest of the people.
Meanwhile, NDPP president Chingwang Konyak has called a meeting of the party’s Central Executive Board on September 12 at its Kohima headquarters. All members have been directed to attend, with the notice citing provisions of the party constitution.
