Both sides stake claims to form next government
Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 4
The future of political landscape in Nagaland is yet to become clear with both NDPP-BJP alliance and NPF staking claim to form the next government in Nagaland.
However, a confident Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) and its ally Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), claiming support of 32 elected representatives, have a slight edge.
With 30 elected representatives on its own, the alliance was boosted by the joining of newly elected Janata Dal (United) legislator G Kaito Aye and newly elected Independent legislator Tongpang Ozukum, taking the total figure pass the halfway mark to 32.
Rio handed over the letters of support from the BJP as well as JD (U) and Independent legislators to the Nagaland Governor PB Acharya. The list of 32 elected candidates was also submitted.
BJP National General Secretary, Ram Madhav as well as both the legislators were present during the submission.
They were accompanied by Chingwang Konyak, President NDPP; Visasolie Lhongou, President BJP Nagaland State Unit; V. Abu Metha, Secretary General NDPP; and Rusemtong Longkumer, General Secretary, NDPP.
However, later in the evening, the Naga People’s Front also staked claim to form the next government. Chief Minister TR Zeliang met Governor PB Acharya at Raj Bhavan today at 4:00 PM.
Talking to media persons after the meeting, Acharya said that TR Zeliang gave him the list of the NPF elected MLAs alongwith two elected MLAs of NPP and one JD (U) elected MLA.
The Governor said Zeliang told him he has hope that BJP may support them and there can be a stable government.
Zeliang also informed Acharya that within 2 days time he may go to Delhi and discuss with the BJP central leaders.
“Governor Acharya has instructed TR Zeliang to prove his majority by bringing the letter of support from the supporting MLAs,” a Raj Bhavan release further informed.
Both sides given 48 hours
Acharya also informed that NPF president Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu has written to BJP president Amit Shah reminding him about NPF's long period of partnership with the BJP and that they are still allies.
Earlier, after meeting Neiphiu Rio, Governor said Rio who claimed support of 32 MLAs has the majority and should form the government. He has asked Rio to submit the names and signatures of all the MLAs supporting him. Rio assured to do so within 24 hours.
As a constitutional head, Acharya said, his duty is to see who has the majority (above 30) and one who has the majority can only be called for formation of the government.
The Governor further informed that he has given 48 hours time to both TR Zeliang and Neiphiu Rio to bring the letter of support within 48 hours. Once he is satisfied that a party has the majority, he will act according to the Constitution of India, Acharya added
