Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on his arrival from Delhi at the Helipad, Kohima on May 22. Morung Photo
CM-designate TR Zeliang to meet Governor
and stake claim for formation of government
Chizokho Vero
Kohima | May 22
Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, who is also the MP elect from Nagaland, will be resigning as the Chief Minister and member of the State Legislative Assembly on May 23 in order to pave way for Planning Minister TR Zeliang to take over the reign of the new DAN III ministry.
Arriving at the state capital, Kohima from Delhi this afternoon, Rio said that he will be tendering his resignation on May 23. Rio will be calling on Nagaland Governor Dr Ashwani Kumar at 9:00 am at Raj Bhavan, Kohima.
Sources informed that following Rio’s resignation, Chief Minister-designate TR Zeliang; NPF President, Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu will meet Governor of Nagaland on May 23 to stake claim to install the new ministry. However, the time is yet to be known.
Speaking to media persons, Azo said that the formation of the new DAN III ministry might take place on May 23 evening after Rio tenders his resignation or on May 24 morning, followed by the simultaneous induction of all parliamentary secretaries. He added that the formation of the new DAN-III ministry will be done in consultation with the present Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio.
Meanwhile, it is reported that the legislators supporting TR Zeliang had a meeting at the residence of the NPF president here today and decided that the members would stand by whatever the party and the leader (TR Zeliang) decide.
On being asked about his expectations on the new DAN III ministry, Azo said that reformation of the governing system will be one of its priorities. “We want to provide a better, stronger, cleaner and stable government,” he said. Azo reiterated that the present government has been doing a good job but said that there is still a lot of room for improvement.
On his expectations from Rio, Azo said that since he (Rio) has taken up greater a responsibility “our expectation is very high.” “He will come to the rescue of the government, especially on financial matters. He will be our main advisor because we need expertise like him who has knowledge in governing the government,” said Azo.
Azo further expressed optimism that under Rios’s leadership, the Naga political issue will also be expedited.
