Kohima, July 18: The National People’s Party (NPP) on Saturday accused its ally, the Naga People’s Front (NPF), of systematically targeting its elected representatives in Nagaland, alleging that councillors were being pressured to switch allegiance through threats of withholding development funds and government schemes.
The charge comes days after two NPP municipal councillors from Kohima joined the NPF, following the earlier defection of two NPP councillors in Dimapur—a trend the party said points to a deliberate political strategy rather than isolated defections.
In a strongly worded statement, the NPP said political competition should be based on ideology and public service, not on weakening rival parties by inducing their elected representatives.
The party claimed it had received reports that councillors were told development funds and government schemes would be denied unless they joined the ruling party, describing the allegations as deeply troubling if proven true.
“Development belongs to the people and should never be used as an instrument of political coercion,” the party said, adding that democracy loses its meaning if access to public resources is perceived to depend on political allegiance.
The statement is significant as it comes despite the NPP describing the NPF as a political partner with whom it has maintained cordial relations. The party said it was unfortunate that repeated attempts were allegedly being made to lure away its elected representatives instead of allowing healthy democratic competition.
The NPP said it is reviewing the political developments in Nagaland and will strengthen its organisational structure at all levels to prevent further defections. It also asserted that the recent episodes had reinforced the need to build a stronger grassroots cadre.
The party maintained that the people of Nagaland wanted politics based on credibility, accountability and public service rather than “political expediency driven by defections,” and vowed to emerge stronger despite the setbacks.
Also Read: India-Myanmar border haat at Pangsau Pass to reopen after six years
Also Watch
Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.
Also, Follow us on
Twitter-twitter.com/nemediahub
Youtube channel- www.youtube.com/@NortheastMediaHub2020
Instagram- www.instagram.com/ne_media_hub
Download our app from playstore – Northeast Media Hub
