Desperate times call for desperate measures, goes the saying. And this holds true for the once powerful Congress party in Nagaland who has been left high and dry after being out of power for over a decade.
Merely few weeks back, Congress was one of the bitter critic of the NPF government. But things seem to have changed now as the BJP-NDPP alliance seems to be be gaining momentum.
Reports say that 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 the fray is 18 after five of its contenders withdrew nominations.
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 Congress is seeking to return to the power after a hiatus of 15 years. The NPF and BJP shared power in the state since 2003 but severed ties ahead of the upcoming polls. (With inputs from Agencies)