Kohima: The Rising People’s Party officially merged with the ruling Naga People’s Front on July 11, 2026. This marks the second party to fold into the NPF in one year, following the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party in 2025. Nagaland currently operates under an opposition-less government led by the NPF, with the BJP serving as a key coalition partner in the People’s Democratic Alliance. The state heads to the polls in 2028.
Dr. Neiphiu Rio, Nagaland chief minister and NPF president, characterized the move as "the convergence of people, ideas, experiences and aspirations."
The Rising People’s Party launched in 2021 with an anti-corruption platform. It functioned as an independent entity under the guidance of its parent body, The Naga Rising. A team led by Joel Naga originally managed the party. However, financial pressure caused the collapse. The Naga Rising issued a public statement on July 14 admitting that resource constraints and internal limitations prevented them from properly supporting the RPP.
The parent body claimed they advised RPP leadership to explore every possible alternative to keep the party alive before the merger was finalized. They ultimately conceded that political circumstances left the party with no other option. The Naga Rising reaffirmed its original mission to promote transparency, morality, and justice within the state. They pledged that these ideals will continue to guide the organization despite the dissolution of their political offshoot.
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