By Bhupen Goswami

Guwahati: In a surprising development in Nagaland, seven opposition MLAs belonging to the opposition Naga People’s Front (NPF) party have decided to support the ruling PDA alliance during the ensuing elections in Nagaland. The seven MLAs are Kejong Chang, EE Pangteang, Eshak Konyak, CL John, BS Nganlang, N. Thongwang Konyak, and Toyang Chang. In a joint statement, the MLAs said: “We extend our fullest cooperation to the PDA Government and we also endorse the PDA Government’s stand as a facilitator to the ongoing Indo-Naga peace process.” “Moreover, the absence of an NPF candidate in the Lok Sabha Elections 2019 and the decision to support the Congress is against the principle of regionalism” they added. They have extended support to the PDA consensus candidate. The election to the lone Lok Sabha seat in Nagaland and the byelection to the Aonglenden Assembly constituency will be held on April 11.