Neiphiu Rio

Neiphiu Rio Biography

Neiphiu Rio is an Indian politician belonging to Naga People's Frontwho currently serves as the Chief Minister of the state of Nagaland. He has added his name to Nagaland’s political history by serving the state as chief minister for three consecutive terms from 2003 to present day. He became the chief minister for the first time in 2003, followed by 2008 and 2013. Before becoming chief minister, he has served many decorative positions like President of Kohima District United Democratic Front Youth Wing in 1974 and Chairman of Northern Angami Area Council in 1984. As a part of his social service he has also served as the Vice President of Indian Red Cross Society, Nagaland branch.

He was born in Kohima on November 11, 1950. Rio is the son of Guolhoulie Rio of Tuophema village in Kohima District. His early education was done at his native place followed by Sainik School Purulia. He graduated from Kohima Arts College and was an active student leader during his college days. He was elected to the Nagaland state assembly for the first time in 1989, where he served as the minister of Sports and School Education, followed by Minister for Higher & Technical Education and Art & Culture. He was a member of Indian National Congress then. From 1998 till 2002, he served as Home Minister under S. C. Jamir.

He resigned from Congress in 2002 and joined Naga People's Front. Under his leadership, the party formed government in 2002 state assembly elections. The party formed an alliance with Democratic Alliance of Nagaland. It brought down the 10-year long Congress rule and Rio took office as Chief Minister on March 6, 2003. When President’s rule was imposed in 2008, he was dismissed. However he regained his position and came to power once again. Most recently in April 2014, he declared to contest the coming LokSabha poll from the lone seat in Nagaland which is regarded as a rare case in Indian politics.

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Updated: April 07, 2014