CM Neiphiu Rio and his council of ministers with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nagaland Governor La Ganesan on March 7. (Photo Courtesy: Twitter)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 7
The new Government of Nagaland has made ‘history’ on many fronts- it is the fifth term for the Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, it has Salhoutuonuo Kruse as the first ever woman cabinet minister, and it has two Deputy Chief Ministers TR Zeliang and Y Patton.
Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) leader Neiphiu Rio and his council of ministers were administered the oath of secrecy by Nagaland’s Governor La Ganesan at the impressive swearing-in-ceremony at Capital Cultural Hall, Kohima. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, national BJP President JP Nadda, and Assam Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma attended the ceremony.
Rio who was elected from 11 Northern Angami Assembly Constituency (AC), will be flanked by TR Zeliang (NDPP) and Yanthungo Patton (BJP) as Deputy Chief Ministers. This is the first time that the state of Nagaland has appointed two people to the post.
TR Zeliang was elected from 7 Peren AC and Y Patton from 37 Tyui AC.
In another first for the state, Salhoutuonuo Kruse (NDPP) became the first Naga woman to be inducted as Minister in the history of Nagaland Legislative Assembly. Kruse won the seat from the Western Angami AC.
During the ceremony, eight other legislators also took oath as ministers in the state cabinet. They included G Kaito Aye (NDPP) from 36 Satakha AC; N Jacob Zhimomi (BJP) from 4 Ghaspani I AC; KG Kenye (NDPP) from 17 Chizami AC; P Paiwang Konyak (BJP) from 41 Tizit AC; Metsubo Jamir (NDPP) from 27 Mokokchung Town AC; Temjen Imna Along (BJP) from 30 Alongtaki AC; CL John (NDPP) from 45 Tehok AC; and P Bashangmongba (BJP) from 53 Tuensang Sadar I AC.
The NDPP-BJP alliance had secured 37 seats (NDPP-25, BJP-12) in the 2023 state general election held on February 27.
Of the 12 ministers, including the Chief Minister, seven belong to NDPP and five are from BJP.
Portfolios in a day or two: CM
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said that allocation of portfolio to ministers will be done within a day or two. “I am humbled and very happy to be back as chief minister to serve our people,” Rio told media persons after the swearing-in-ceremony.
Rio said that the induction of two deputy chief ministers was done as per the requirement and also for the convenience the alliance (NDPP and BJP).
He said the induction of a woman into the cabinet was taken on the ground of its agenda on women empowerment and gender equality.
On the presence of the Prime Minister and the others at the swearing-in-ceremony, Rio said that they were here out of happiness and “they want to show their solidarity with us.”
“It is very rare that PM, Home minister and National BJP president come together to grace the occasion,” he said and expressed gratitude to them.
In terms of accommodating MLAs from parties who have extended support to his government, Rio said “We are yet to take consultation.”
After we (cabinet) settle down, we will discuss because we are alliance partners and we will take consultations with the party and decide, he said.
On being asked whether his government is going to be an opposition-less government, Rio said “Just wait and watch. We shall do what is necessary.”
