Photo Courtesy: nagalandpost
Kohima: The Rising People's Party (RPP) officially folded into the Naga People's Front (NPF) in Kohima on July 11, marking the second major political consolidation in Nagaland within a year. The move follows the October 2025 merger of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) into the NPF, a move the Election Commission of India formally recognized this May.
Nagaland Chief Minister and NPF President Neiphiu Rio framed the RPP merger as a vital step toward regional unity. "Today we are not merely witnessing the merger of two political organizations. We are witnessing the coming together of people, ideas, experiences and aspiration," Rio stated during the ceremony. The NPF has now inducted five former RPP leaders into its central organization. Joel Naga and Vitho Zao join as vice presidents, Amai Chingkhu as general secretary, Likhro Kreo as secretary, and Zhokhoi Chuzho as vice president of the Central Youth Wing.
Formed in 2021 with an anti-corruption mandate, the RPP struggled to gain electoral traction, failing to win a seat in the 2023 Assembly elections. Party leadership cited disillusionment with an electorate conditioned by money power as a primary driver for the decision. NPF Secretary General Achumbemo Kikon confirmed all constitutional requirements are met and the merger is now legitimate.
The NPF is also restructuring its grassroots organization, recently administering oaths to revamped units in the 29 Jangpetkong constituency. These efforts support the party’s broader goal of maintaining its position within the opposition-less People's Democratic Alliance government. Despite the ongoing partnership with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Rio emphasized that the NPF remains committed to preserving Naga identity and Christian values. The state is currently preparing for town council by-elections, with the NPF fielding Neichuu Kuotsu in Chümoukedima, Shikavi Kiba in Atoizu, and Aling Lotha in Wokha.
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