Party leaders of the NDPP, BJP and NPF along with independent MLAs, the ruling and opposition parties unanimously resolved to adopt the nomenclature of the UDA for the Opposition-less government in Nagaland.
In the 2018 assembly election, the BJP along with NDPP formed the government in the name of the People’s Democratic Alliance, while the Naga People’s Front assumed the position of the principal opposition.
To find a solution to the long-pending demands related to Naga political issues, it was decided by the parties to stand united in the assembly. Rio will continue to be the chief minister. A common minimum programme has been drawn up, which suits all the parties.
“The House unanimously resolved to adopt the nomenclature of United Democratic Alliance (UDA) for the Opposition-less Government in Nagaland. The house unanimously resolved to reiterate the joint resolution between the three parties signed on 11th and 13th August, 2021, respectively,” said a press release signed by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. It also had signatures of Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, NDPP president Chingwang Konyak, BJP president Temjen Imna Along, NPFLP leader TR Zeliang, NPF secretary-general Achumbemo Kikon and Independent MLA Tongpang Ozukum.
In the house of 60, NPF has 25 MLAs, NDPP has 20, the BJP has 12, and there are two independents, while one assembly seat is vacant after Shamatore-Chessore MLA Toshi Wungtung of NDPP died on July 1.
This is not the first time Nagaland will be having an all party government. The state has had a government with no Opposition in assembly in 2015 during the third tenure of the NPF-led Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN), when the Congress MLAs joined the government and subsequently merged with the ruling NPF. But this time, a coalition has been formed without merging.