NPP moves to disqualify five MLAs who defected from NPF in Nagaland

The National People's Party (NPP) has formally sought the disqualification of five members of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly who have switched from the Naga People's Front (NPF). The petition, submitted to the Speaker, alleges that the legislators violated anti-defection provisions by changing party affiliation after being elected. NPP officials argue that the move undermines the stability of the state government and contravenes the Constitution's anti-defection law.

The five MLAs in question were elected on an NPF ticket in the last assembly election. Their recent shift to the NPP has prompted the ruling party to invoke legal mechanisms to remove them from the legislature. The Speaker is expected to examine the petition and decide whether the disqualification request meets the criteria set out in the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.

If the Speaker upholds the petition, the seats of the five legislators could be declared vacant, triggering by‑elections in the respective constituencies. The outcome will likely influence the balance of power in Nagaland's coalition government, where both NPP and NPF play pivotal roles.

The move has drawn reactions from political observers, who note that anti‑defection actions are increasingly being used as a tool to manage party discipline in state politics. The final decision will be closely watched for its impact on future party switching in the region.