Post NCP merger with NDPP, CM Rio meets Governor triggering speculation : But there was nothing political about the "courtesy call"

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphu Rio called on state Governor La Ganesan at Kohima Raj Bhawan on Tuesday, May 3. 

Even as it was a courtesy call, the meeting sparked speculation as it came close on the heels of seven NCP MLAs having merged with the state's ruling party NDPP.  The Chingwang Konyak-led regional outfit had 25 MLAs in the polls in 2023 and with seven new members, the strength has gone up to 32. 

That means the NDPP now has crossed the majority mark in the 60-member House on its own. The BJP, which has 12 members, is also part of the alliance government. 

In fact, the NDPP and BJP are in power in the state since 2018. 

The meeting between the Chief Minister and the state Governor had no administrative or political agenda. 

Rio greeted the Governor on completion of 80 years.

Ganesan was born on Feb 16, 1945 but it seems he recently held a special puja.

The Chief Minister reportedly also brought some gifts for the Governor.  

 

The pending Solution between NNPGs and the centre notwithstanding the keenness by the conglomeration to do so now since last eight years shows things are not in good shape in more ways than one.

The NSCN-IM is however reluctant to sign any paper which will not grant a separate flag and Naga Constitution.  

Lately, Pamshin Muivah, political Emissary to Thuingaleng Muivah, wrote a strong letter addressed to the NSCN-IM collective leadership and charged New Delhi with "betrayal". 

"The betrayal of the Framework Agreement of August 3, 2015 and the Machiavellian strategy of the Indian state and its agencies to divide and destroy NSCN/GPRN, Nagalim and other nations in the region, in order to dominate the sub-Himalayan region and the surrounding territories including the Indo-Pacific region and convert it into their militarized fiefdom under the guise of countering some phantom adversary," the letter said. 

The letter also said - "It is imperative for the Collective Leadership and the NSCN/GPRN to understand that the Hindutva/Hindu hegemony in the present state of India has gained dominance with the rise in power of the political party Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)."

A section of analysts in Delhi are surprised a bit by such wordings while some feel there could be Chinese influence behind such contents. 

The language appears have been 'imported' from China and who knows this might have come via Bangladesh route as well. Normally, the underground leaders stay away from this kind of politics and mudslinging vis-a-vis the political party in New Delhi, goes one version. 

ends