Who is Neiphiu Rio? Nagaland’s longest serving CM & crucial ally of BJP in 2023 elections

New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) & its alliance partner in Nagaland, Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) is headed for a clean sweep in the state, with trends showing decisive lead for the alliance.

It’s a giant leap for the saffron party-led alliance, as it looks set to garner two-third majority in the 60-member House. Opposition & other rivals are seen suffering humiliating defeat as neither Congress nor NPP is seen reaching double digits.

Though BJP is the junior partner in alliance, this comes as a big milestone for the saffron party as its victory march continues in North-Eastern state. BJP contested on 20 seats while Neiphiu Rio led NDPP fought on 40 seats.

Many are attributing BJP-NDPP’s thumping majority in the state to PM Modi’s poll blitzkrieg in the state and also Nagaland’s four-time Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s popularity.

Neiphiu Rio, leading the NDPP stitched alliance with the BJP for first time in 2018 Assembly elections. The alliance won 30 seats last time while NPF fetched 26 seats. This year, the BJP-NDPP alliance has bettered its tally and as per trends, its number will cross 40 mark in the 60-member Assembly.

Who is Neiphiu Rio?

Neiphiu Rio, born on Nov 11, 1950, is the longest serving Chief Minister of Nagaland. He is one of the most prominent & charismatic leader of the state, whose political life spreads over many decades.

Being an active student leader, he entered politics at a very young age. He was first elected to the Nagaland Assembly on a Congress (I) ticket from Northern Angami-II constituency in 1989. That year, he also appointed as state minister and went on to win the same constituency in 1993.

He also served as Nagaland Home Minister in 1998 but resigned from the post in 2022 over sharp differences with the Chief Minister over vexed Naga issue. He alleged that the then CM blocked the negotiated settlement of Naga issue.

Rio left Congress & joined Naga People’s Front (NPF) & subsequently won 2003 Nagaland election, thereby ending Congress’ 10-year-long rule. Rio became Chief Minister, the same year. Before he could complete his term, President’s rule was imposed in the state.

Rio has served as Chief Minister of the state for record four terms. He also contest for Lok Sabha elections in 2014 and went to become MP.