UKHRUL: The National People’s Party (NPP) has expressed its dissatisfaction and concern regarding what it describes as the ongoing targeting and inducement of its elected representatives by the Naga People’s Front (NPF). This statement follows the alleged recent defection of two NPP Municipal Councillors from Kohima to the NPF, in addition to a previous instance involving two Municipal Councillors from Dimapur, suggesting a disturbing pattern rather than isolated political incidents.
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“The NPP believes that political competition should rely on ideology, public service, and the confidence of the people, not on systematic efforts to weaken other parties by targeting their elected representatives, which is undemocratic,” said James K. Sangma, the party’s National Working President, in a press release.
Additionally, the party alleged that it has received reports indicating that pressure was exerted on elected councillors through threats that development funds and government schemes would be withheld unless they joined the ruling party. “If these allegations are true, they raise serious concerns about the misuse of political influence and undermine the democratic principle that development belongs to the people, rather than being used as a tool for political coercion,” the statement added.
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The NPP also emphasized that democracy loses its significance when access to public resources is perceived to depend on political loyalty. While it has always maintained cordial political relations with various regional and national parties, including the NPF, the NPP finds it unfortunate that ongoing attempts are being made to target the elected representatives of a partner political party instead of fostering healthy democratic competition.
The party also added that it is carefully reviewing the recent developments in Nagaland and will implement necessary organizational measures to strengthen its structure at all levels.
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“Recent events have reinforced our commitment to consolidate the organization, nurture dedicated grassroots leadership, and build a stronger cadre-based party that defections could not undermine. The NPP remains confident that the people of Nagaland seek constructive politics rooted in credibility, accountability, and public service, rather than politics characterized by defections and expediency,” the press release concluded, assuring its workers and supporters that the party will emerge stronger from these challenges and continue to work tirelessly to provide a credible political alternative for the people of Nagaland.
