Neiphiu Rio | |
|---|---|
 Rio in 2010 | |
| 7th Chief Minister of Nagaland | |
| Assumed office 8 March 2018 | |
| Governor |
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| Deputy |
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| Cabinet | |
| Preceded by | T. R. Zeliang |
| In office 12 March 2008 – 24 May 2014 | |
| Governor |
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| Cabinet |
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| Preceded by | President's rule |
| Succeeded by | T. R. Zeliang |
| In office 6 March 2003 – 3 January 2008 | |
| Governor | Shyamal Datta |
| Cabinet | Rio I |
| Preceded by | S. C. Jamir |
| Succeeded by | President's rule |
| Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha | |
| In office 26 May 2014 – 22 February 2018 | |
| Preceded by | C. M. Chang |
| Succeeded by | Tokheho Yepthomi |
| Constituency | Nagaland |
| President ofNaga People's Front | |
| Assumed office 21 October 2025 | |
| Preceded by | Apong Pongener |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Neiphiu Guolhoulie Rio (1950-11-11)11 November 1950 (age 75) |
| Party |
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| Other political affiliations | |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 6 |
| Relatives | Zhaleo Rio (brother) |
| Residence | Kohima |
| Source:Nagaland Government | |
Neiphiu Rio (born 11 November 1950) is an Indian politician serving as theChief Minister of Nagaland and leader of the house in state assembly since 2018, previously 2003 to 2014 and from 2018 till date. He is the longest serving Chief Minister of Nagaland. He was also aMember of Parliament fromNagaland inLok Sabha from 2014 to 2018. He is also currently serving as the president of theNaga People's Front.
Neiphiu Rio was born on 11 November 1950 to anAngami Naga family from Tuophema. His parents were Guolhoulie and Kevilhouü Rio.[1][2] He received his early education from Baptist English School, Kohima andSainik School, Purulia,West Bengal. He attendedSt Joseph's College, Darjeeling and later graduated from Kohima Arts College.[1]
An active student leader during his school and college days, Rio entered politics at a very young age.[citation needed] He had headed many organisations before becoming the Chief Minister of Nagaland. He served as the President of the youth wing of United Democratic Front (UDF) Youth Wing for Kohima District in 1974.[1] He was also appointed the Chairman of Northern Angami Area Council in 1984.[citation needed] He also had been the honorary Vice-President ofIndian Red Cross Society Nagaland branch.[3]
On entering politics, Rio contested the Nagaland Assembly elections of 1987 unsuccessfully as an independent candidate.[citation needed] Rio was first elected toNagaland Legislative Assembly as Congress (I) candidate from the Northern Angami-II constituency during the 7th General Elections of 1989. He was appointed the Minister for Sports and School Education and subsequently as Minister for Higher & Technical Education and Art & Culture; also served as Chairman in Nagaland Industrial Development Corporation, Nagaland Khadi & Village Industries Board and Development Authority of Nagaland. Rio was again elected from the same Constituency in 1993 as Congress (I) candidate and appointed Minister for Works & Housing.[4] As a member of theIndian National Congress (INC), Rio was Nagaland's Home Minister as part of the cabinet headed byS. C. Jamir from 1998 till 2002 when he resigned from the ministry accusing Chief Minister S. C. Jamir of blocking a negotiated settlement of the vexedNaga issue.[5]
In the2013 Nagaland Legislative Assembly election, he was elected from theNorthern Angami II constituency on anNaga People's Front (NPF) ticket defeating his INC rival Kevise Sogotsu with an overwhelming margin of 12,671 votes.[6]
After his resignation, Rio joinedNaga People's Front which partnered with other Naga regionalist parties and the state branch of theBharatiya Janata Party (BJP) under his leadership to form theDemocratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN), a coalition which won the 2003 state elections, bringing the 10-year-long rule of theIndian National Congress in the state to an end.[citation needed] Rio subsequently took office as Chief Minister on 6 March 2003.
Before completing his first term, Rio was dismissed as Chief Minister whenPresident's Rule was imposed in Nagaland on 3 January 2008.[7] However, his party emerged as the single largest party in the ensuing elections and Rio, as the leader of DAN, was invited by the state Governor to form the government on 12 March 2008. During the 2013 Nagaland State elections, NPF won a thumping majority and Rio was re-elected as Chief Minister for a third term.[8]
At a memorial service in Kohima for the victims of2021 Nagaland killings, Rio said "I am hopeful that the country and the rest of the world will not only understand the Nagas’ story but also the want for lasting peace."[9]
Rio has played a key role in setting up the Music Task Force, the first music industry in the country. He was awarded theMother Teresa Millennium award for his outstanding leadership and contributions to politics inKolkata in the year 2007.[10]
Rio is married to Kaisa Rio. Together they have five daughters and one son.[11] His brotherZhaleo Rio was elected to Nagaland Assembly in 2013, 2018 and 2023 fromGhaspani II Constituency and was the Deputy Speaker of the assembly in 2018. His mother Kevilhouü Rio died on 1 January 2020, at the age of 92. His father had died 30 years before his mother's death.[12]
Media related toNeiphiu Rio at Wikimedia Commons| Lok Sabha | ||
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| Preceded by | Member of Parliament forNagaland 2014 – 2018 | Succeeded by |
| Political offices | ||
| Preceded by | Chief Minister of Nagaland 6 March 2003 – 3 January 2008 | Succeeded by |
| Preceded by | Chief Minister of Nagaland 12 March 2008 – 24 May 2014 | Succeeded by |
| Preceded by | Chief Minister of Nagaland 8 March 2018 – Present | Incumbent |
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| Bye-elections 2016 |
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