Y Patton sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister
Morung Express News
Kohima | March 8
Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) leader and former MP, Neiphiu Rio was sworn in as the 20th Chief Minister of Nagaland on Thursday. This will be Rio’s fourth stint as Chief Minister of Nagaland.
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharam, Union Minister and MoS Home Kiren Rijiju, BJP National President Amit Shah, and BJP National General Secretary (NE incharge) Ram Madhav were present during the swearing in ceremony. Chief Ministers of Assam (Sarbananda Sonowal), Manipur (N Biren Singh), Arunachal Pradesh (Pema Khandu) and Meghalaya (Conrad Kongkal Sangma) were also in attendance.
Governor P B Acharya administered the oath of office and secrecy to Rio and his council of ministers outside of Raj Bhavan at the Khuochiezie, Kohima local ground with full public view- a first in the history of Nagaland Legislative Assembly since its formation on February 11, 1964.
“We have chosen to conduct this important function at this historic place in honor of the people we serve, and to also remind ourselves publicly of the responsibilities that lie upon our shoulders,” the newly sworn-in Chief Minister said.
The venue holds significance as the announcement of Nagaland’s statehood on December 1, 1963 was made from here by the then president S. Radhakrishnan.
Rio, in his speech, assured the fullest cooperation of his government to work together under a spirit of unity and understanding with all the other states of the north eastern region in the greater interest of the people. . Viewing that the NDPP-BJP alliance has come to power on the back of a campaign that promised change, Rio assured the people of Nagaland that they will tirelessly work towards achievement of the commitments given to the people.
“We have assured good governance, a rule of transparency and committed to bring about a culture of meritocracy. We recognize that this mandate is a mandate not just for change of government but a vote to bring positive change in Nagaland. We will redraw a new roadmap of progressive development in a manner that is all inclusive and involves all stakeholders,” affirmed Rio.
Assuring commitment towards the promise of facilitating the Naga peace process, Rio also stated that every effort to contribute towards achievement of an honorable solution that is inclusive and acceptable to the people as early as possible.
The Governor also administered the oath of office and secrecy to Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton (BJP) and Council of Ministers namely CM Chang (NDPP), G. Kaito Aye (JDU), Neiba Kronu (NDPP), S. Pangyu Phom (BJP), P. Paiwang Konyak (BJP), N Jacob Zhimomi (BJP), Metsubo Jamir (NDPP), Tongpang Ozukum (Independent), V. Kashiho Sangtam (BJP) and Temjen Imna Along (BJP). The last four ministers are first timers to walk in the corridors of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
Long and heavy traffic jam in Kohima made way for the VIPs attending the public swearing in ceremony. The Kohima local ground and the streets of Kohima town were filled with supporters of BJP donning on their BJP scarves, and NDPP supporters in t-shirts with its motto ‘Facta Non Verba’ printed on the back.
Council of Ministers
CM Chang G Kaito Aye Neiba Kronu S Pangyu Phom P Paiwang Konyak N Jacob Zhimomi Metsubo Jamir Tongpang Ozukum V Kashiho Sangtam Temjen Imna Along
