In a candid statement aimed at strengthening Nagaland’s ruling coalition, senior BJP legislator and five-time MLA Imkong L Imchen has called for deeper grassroots coordination between the BJP and its alliance partner, the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP).
Speaking to members of the Kohima Press Club at the state Secretariat, Imchen warned that continued friction between district-level workers of the two parties could jeopardize the spirit of coalition politics that currently sustains the state’s opposition-less government.
“For those of us in Kohima, the alliance may look fine. But when BJP and NDPP workers at the constituency level act like rivals, it becomes a mockery of coalition governance,” Imchen said, emphasizing the importance of honest collaboration beyond the capital.
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The NDPP-BJP alliance, which contested the 2023 Assembly elections under a seat-sharing formula (NDPP: 40 seats, BJP: 20), now forms the core of the state government. The NDPP’s strength rose to 32 MLAs following the merger of seven NCP legislators in May, while the BJP holds 12 seats.
Imchen, who also serves as an advisor to the Nagaland government, has been personally working to ease tensions between workers of the two parties in his Mokokchung district constituency. Using cultural festivals like Moatsu and Tsungremmong as opportunities for social bonding, he said these efforts are aimed at long-term stability and trust.
“Politically, you keep your identity and I keep mine. But to run a smooth government, we must act as partners, not opponents,” he said, stressing that coalition politics is not about dominance but mutual compromise and coordination.
Drawing parallels with the Centre, Imchen highlighted how Prime Minister Narendra Modi leads a 36-party National Democratic Alliance (NDA) that functions cohesively. He said Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, the NDPP leader, must ensure similar cohesion in Nagaland.
“Unless there is a cohesive working relationship with your coalition partner, you cannot run a smooth government here in Kohima,” Imchen remarked.
He emphasized the strategic importance of continuing the NDPP-BJP partnership, especially considering that most Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) originate from the BJP-led central government.
“Coalition is a political reality. It should not be taken lightly or treated like a joke. Single-party rule may not be feasible in the future,” Imchen concluded, reinforcing the need for stronger political alignment at all levels of governance.
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