Guwahati: Lok Sabha MP and former Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday "totally disassociated" himself from the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party, a regional party formed in May with his backing.

The announcement was made through a communiqué issued by Rio to both Naga People's Front (NPF) president Shurhozelie Liezietsu and the media as there was "speculation" about his dealing with the "newly-floated" NDPP, expected to contest this year's Assembly polls.

Though the NDPP was formed with Rio's "moral support" when he was suspended from the NPF, he never joined it. The party was formed with former Lok Sabha MP Chingwang Konyak as the founding president in "response to the feelings of the masses who want an honourable solution to the Naga political problem (read peace talks with NSCN-IM)".

The reason for his total disassociation with the NDPP was the ongoing "reconciliation process" within the ruling NPF on the suggestion of the Election Commission and public leaders. Rio said it was his "natural choice" to remain with the NPF "to strengthen it and serve the people".

This is the second time in less than a month that the three-term chief minister has gone public to convey he had the best interests of the NPF at heart.

In a letter to chief minister T.R. Zeliang on December 8, Rio said he had quit as president of the NPF faction in favour of Shurhozelie. Two days later, he withdrew the case with the poll panel claiming the NPF symbol before the polls. Four days later, NPF president Shurhozelie responded to his reconciliatory gestures by revoking Rio's suspension from the party.