Kohima, Aug. 28: Lok Sabha MP from Nagaland, Wangyuh Konyak, will raise the issues of delimitation of Assembly constituencies and the anti-defection law in Parliament.

The issue has been admitted for discussion, Konyak’s secretary, K. Kath, said. “It will be taken up for discussion soon and a lively debate is expected on the issues,” he added.

The debate assumes significance in the light of the fallout of the recent downsizing exercise. Under pressure from disgruntled legislators who were dropped from the downsized cabinet, the Nagaland Peoples’ Front today called a joint meeting of legislators and office-bearers.

This was the party’s third “urgent” meeting within a week on the leadership issue. “They have decided to reaffirm support to the leadership of chief minister Neiphiu Rio and work cohesively towards development of the state,” an NPF office-bearer said.

The four Independent MLAs, who recently filed a petition in the Gauhati High Court challenging the “basic inequalities between Independent and other legislators”, also reaffirmed their support to Rio. The four legislators are also associate members of the party, Kath said.

However, sources said the rumblings of dissidence persist. Senior member and former PHE minister, Z. Obed and legislator Hewoto did not attend today’s meeting of the party. Sources said Obed wants a change in party leadership and has support from some quarters, including the Congress.

Incidentally, the state has still not reconciled itself to the anti-defection law and the consequences of the downsized council of ministers. The effects of the downsizing are visible in the hectic political developments in the state. Many dropped ministers have urged a change in leadership.

Discontent grew after Rio dropped most senior ministers from his council. He has been accused of roping in members who were either not too ambitious or did not have the wherewithal to pose a threat to the chief minister.

On the other hand, delimitation is being opposed vociferously by the state legislators cutting across party lines.

If the law takes its course, several districts will lose seats because of a slower rate of increase in population than others.

While Kohima will lose a seat, Dimapur will gain four. Legislators argue that it would be unwise allotting more seats to Dimapur, which has a high floating population, while leaving out remote areas.

Many senior ministers, including chief minister Neiphiu Rio will see erosion in their vote banks if delimitation takes place.