Dimapur, Jan 17 -Nagaland’s lone Lok Sabha member Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday resigned from the primary membership of the ruling Naga People’s Front (NPF) and joined the newly floated Nagaland Democratic People’s Party (NDPP) ahead of the state assembly elections.

The three times former Chief Minister submitted his resignation letter to NPF Supremo, Shurhozelie Lieziestsu but did not cited any reason behind his decision to leave the party, which he formed after he left the Congress in early 2002.

“I have welcomed the appeal of the NDPP and formally accepted their invitation to join the party,” the Lok Sabha member said.

Rio joining the new political party is significant amid the power struggle within the recently ‘reconciled’ ruling NPF party.

Rumour mills are abuzz that Chief Minister TR Zeling is in touch with lone National People’s Party Lok Sabha member Conrad K Sangma to contest the ensuing assembly polls on the NPP symbol.

The term of the 60-member Nagaland Assembly expires on March 13, 2018.

During his interaction with NDPP leaders Chingwang Konyak and Alemtemshi Jamir, the Naga parliamentarian acknowledged that the NDPP was formed to bring positive changes in Naga society and implement a vision that ensured transparency in governance, implement progressive development and combat corruption.