Nagaland CM sticks to 40:20 seat sharing ratio between NDPP-BJP, says no more alteration

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio asserted that the seat-sharing agreement with Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is confirmed and cannot be altered.

When questioned if the NDPP-BJP seat sharing will be altered to the 30:30 ratio as demanded by the BJP foot soldiers, Rio said emphatically that this would not happen.

The Nagaland Chief Minister stated that his party is committed to whatever has already been agreed upon.

Rio said, "Absolutely not. It has already been determined. I've already stated that we will stand by our decision, and everyone was there when we made it. So there is no problem."

Also Read: Nagaland: High number of ticket aspirants putting BJP in tight spot, trouble in managing seat-sharing formula

In a conference in New Delhi between leaders of the NDPP and the BJP central leadership, including Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, the parties agreed on a seat distribution formula in the ratio of 40:20.

Furthermore, Neiphiu Rio has stated unequivocally that there would be no friendly battle between the NDPP and the BJP. Rio also stated that the NDPP candidate list will be released this month.

"I expect it will be unveiled this month. There will be no friendly competition. In terms of seat sharing, we will back the BJP in their seat, and they will back us in ours "Rio said. 

When asked about his reaction to the Eastern tribes' decision to boycott the elections, even though the Eastern Nagaland Legislators Union (ENLU) has chosen to participate, Rio said that he hopes common reason would prevail.

Rio elaborated further, saying, "I have nothing to say about their choice. The Constitution requires that we have an elected individual in order to have a government. Because this is a democratic process, I hope common sense prevails."

It should be noted that, despite ENPO's intention to boycott the elections, the ENLU decided to participate in the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly election at an emergency meeting on January 22.