The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), which heads the ruling alliance in Nagaland comprising the BJP, has made a “strong appeal” to the newly elected NDA government at the Centre to protect the “interest” of weaker sections, of minorities and of all religions to “ensure secularism and equality” under the Constitution.

It was one of the eight resolutions adopted by the NDPP and the NDPP Parliamentary Party at a meeting held in Nagaland’s capital Kohima, seven days after the declaration of the Lok Sabha election results, which saw the ruling NDPP candidate shockingly lose to the Congress which had failed to open its account in two successive Assembly elections held in 2018 and 2023.

The resolution appealing for the protection of weaker sections and religions said, “The House also makes a strong appeal to the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the NDA government that the interest of the weaker sections, minorities as well as all religions must and should be protected to ensure secularism and equality for all under the Constitution of India.”

The loss of the NDP candidate in Nagaland, the ruling NPP candidate in Meghalaya and the NPF candidate in Outer Manipur has been widely attributed to the “insecurity” among the minorities under the BJP-headed Central government.

Moreover, the Congress’ win in Nagaland came at a time when there was an Opposition-less government in the Christian-majority state, also reflecting the unease within the ruling party ahead of the June 26 urban local body polls.

It was evident from one of the resolutions in which the NDPP respected the mandate of the people of the state, describing it as a “humbling experience” and that it would motivate the party and the legislators to “introspect” and “take corrective measures and continue to pursue our party constitution, commitments and manifesto towards serving the people of the state”. The NDPP and the BJP have been allies since 2018.

The polls saw a comeback for the Congress which won seven of the 25 seats in the Northeast, up from four in 2019 at the cost of the BJP and its allies NPF, NDPP and NPP.

The resolutions were signed by NDPP president Konyak and working presidents Ahovi Zhimomi, H. Chuba Chang and N. Bendang Jamir.