Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 21
In a significant development ahead of the Koridang (ST) Assembly Constituency bye-election, the National People’s Party (NPP) has issued a show-cause notice to its Legislature Party leader and MLA Nuklutoshi Longkumer over alleged “prima facie anti-party conduct and breach of party discipline.”
The notice, issued by the NPP headquarters on March 21, referred to Longkumer’s reported statements during a press interaction held on March 20 at the party’s Dimapur office, where he was said to have expressed his intention to go against the party’s officially nominated candidate for the forthcoming bye-election.
The apparent ‘internal dissent’ within the NPP Nagaland unit came after the party’s Central Election Committee (CEC) announced I Abenjang as its candidate for the April 9 Koridang bye-election on March 19.
In the notice, the NPP stated that party had officially nominated a candidate and that all members are bound to uphold such decisions.
The reported conduct, if established, would amount to violations of the party constitution, which included acting contrary to party policies, publicly criticising party decisions, and opposing an official candidate in an election, it added.
Accordingly, Longkumer has been asked to submit an explanation within seven days as to why disciplinary proceedings should not be initiated against him and why his actions should not be treated as anti-party activity.
The notice further stated that he may deny or admit the contents, provide clarification or supporting material, and seek a personal hearing before any final decision.
The party has also indicated that appropriate action, including suspension pending inquiry or expulsion, may be considered.
Pending consideration of his reply, the notice advised him to refrain from making further public statements or engaging in activities inconsistent with party directives, cautining that any such actions could invite immediate interim disciplinary measures.
Earlier on March 20, party leaders, including MLA Longkumer had expressed reservations about the party’s decision stating that it was taken without adequate consultation with the State unit and citing the ‘oppositionless’ political arrangement in Nagaland as a reason to reconsider fielding a candidate.
However, the NNP national leadership has proceeded with the decision to contest and has formally handed over the ticket to the declared candidate.
The bye-election was necessitated following the demise of sitting MLA Imkong L Imchen in November 2025.
