Morung Express News
Kohima | July 22
Generally a formal and diplomatic affair, the swearing-in of Cabinet Ministers on Saturday was an exception as the decorum at the Durbar Hall, Raj Bhavan was disturbed by unusual antics by some legislators.
After the swearing-in of 10 cabinet ministers out of 11, some senior NPF elected legislators who were not included in the cabinet or did not make it to their desired cabinet rank were seen murmuring and behaving inappropriately. The legislators appeared disgruntled over the selection of the Council of Ministers.
This took place in the presence of Raj Bhavan officials, elected legislators and top bureaucrats of the State.
Press Trust of India reported that, “Disgruntled over not getting seat in the cabinet, some of the legislators had gone up to Zeliang and Neiphiu Rio expressing their unhappiness while also moving out of the Raj Bhavan in anger.”
Former Home Minister, Y. Patton was reportedly offered the first row seat but chose to sit in the second row. Observers and political analysts said Patton’s displeasure could be owing to his demotion in the cabinet rank.
NPF MLA, S. Pangnyu Phom also appeared disgruntled for not being included in the cabinet list.
Meanwhile, sources stated that senior politician Noke Wangnao was offered the position of DAN Chairman but declined it.
E.E. Pangteang whose name was listed in the Council of Ministers was not sworn-in on Saturday probably to accommodate Noke in the cabinet list. However, it remains to be seen whether Noke would accept a cabinet rank, if offered, since he was not included in the first list.
On being asked about the misunderstanding, Zeliang clarified that the serial of the swearing-in of the Council of Ministers was not the assembly sitting arrangement, adding that it was only for swearing-in purposes “but they misunderstood.” Zeliang said that everything will be okay and that the induction of one more cabinet minister will be done on Monday, July 24.
Sources, however, said that the glitches occurred owing to the inclusion of two BJP MLAs in the cabinet resulting in denying cabinet ranks to deserving NPF legislators and reshuffling of cabinet ranks/positions. Sources added that the allotment of two cabinet positions to the BJP was unavoidable since the demand for it came from the National BJP.
Given the current uneasy scenario among the NPF legislators, the road ahead does not seem smooth for the TR Zeliang government. However, Zeliang government is hopeful of sailing over troubled waters by exploring all possibilities in order to avoid President’s Rule in the State.
