Nagaland: Congress in back-channel talks with Naga People’s Front

KOHIMA, February 24, 2018: The Congress is in back-channel talks with the Naga People's Front (NPF) for a post-poll pact in a bid to keep the BJP-NDPP out of power in Nagaland, sources said.

The incumbent NPF is contesting on 58 of the 60 Assembly segments in the state.

The Congress had nominated 23 contenders for the February 27 polls. However, the actual number of its candidates in fray is 18 after five of its contenders withdrew nominations.

The Nagaland Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) and the BJP are contesting the election in alliance.

The Congress could not enter into a pre-poll tie-up with the NPF. But back-channel talks are now on with the NPF for a post-poll alliance to keep the BJP-NDPP out of power, a Congress leader said on condition of anonymity.

The leader said the Congress will reach out to the National People's Party (NPP) as well for the alliance "if need be" after the poll result is out on March 3.

(Agencies)

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