Kohima, March 2 (MExN): In a significant step towards formation of the new ministry in Nagaland, Chief Minister and leader of the DAN Legislature Party Neiphiu Rio today called on Nagaland’s Governor Nikhil Kumar, and submitted a letter here at the Raj Bhavan.
Staking his claim to form the next government, Rio in his letter stated that seven independent MLAs have extended letters of “unconditional support” to the DAN III alliance. In the new 12th Nagaland assembly, the NPF has 38 MLAs while the BJP and the JD (U) who are also part of the DAN, have one MLA each. With the support of the Independent MLAs, the DAN alliance now stands at 47 in the 60-member assembly with an effective strength of 59.
While informing the Governor that he has been elected as the leader of the NPF Legislature party and of the DAN Legislature Party, Rio requested the governor to invite him to form the DAN III government once the constitutional formalities are completed. The chief minister further wrote to the Governor “recommending dissolution of the existing House and tendered the resignation of his Council of Ministers.”
The chief minister submitted the letter when he had today called on the Governor at the Raj Bhavan, Kohima. This was informed by the press secretary to chief minister, Abu Metha through a press statement. Earlier, Rio assured the people that the NPF led DAN government will work with renewed vigor, and shall be committed to giving new energy and new direction to the people. On the Naga political issue, Rio told media persons here recently that DAN will continue to play the role of an active facilitator to bring about an honorable solution that is acceptable to the people.
He said the new government will focus on all round development with focus on youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, employment generation, sport and music. The new government would give special emphasis on women empowerment and women development, he asserted.
