Morung Express News
Kohima | February 16
Nagaland Chief Minister, TR Zeliang on Thursday appealed to NTAC to give him two-three more days to step down to ensure smooth transition of power.
In a letter to NTAC Convenor, KT Vilie, Zeliang stated, “In order to ensure smooth transition of office, and in larger interest of the state, I appeal to you to wait for 2-3 more days. Please be re-assured that this appeal is being made not in my personal interest but in the greater interest of Nagaland and my dear fellow citizens.”
“I am seized of the matter regarding the demands for my stepping down as Chief Minister. You will appreciate that all decisions taken so far have been collectively and likewise all future decision will also have to be taken collectively,” Zeliang stated.
This appeal was made, as 38 legislators appended their signatures in support of proposing NPF President and DAN Chairman, Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu to take over as the next Chief Minister of Nagaland state.
The decision to back Dr Shurhozelie was informed by Kiyaneilie Peseyie, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs during a press conference in Kohima on Thursday evening.
Peseyie however informed that TR Zeliang has not resigned yet. He stated that the decision to propose Dr Shurhozelie as the next CM was taken unanimously for the interest of the party and the government.
He also stated that a meeting will be held with the Chief Minister on Friday at 5:30pm once he returns from Delhi. Others present at the press conference were Tokheho Yepthomi, Minister PHE, Neiba Kronu, Parliamentary Secretary for Planning and Coordination, Evaluation and Taxes and Khekaho Assumi, Parliamentary Secretary, Information and Public Relations.
A consultative meeting comprising of 38 NPF and Independent legislators was held earlier today. The BJP, a partner of the NPF in the DAN government, however did not attend the meeting.
Parliamentary Secretary for IPR, Khekaho Assumi meanwhile informed that Dr Shurhozelie was “unanimously chosen so that there will be no groupings.” He added that the decision was “accepted reluctantly” by the NPF President.
PHE Minister, Tokheho Yepthomi said that the present CM “will pave the way.” While informing that no resolution was taken in the meeting held today, he stated that to complete the formalities, a resolution has to be adopted.
Questioned on why the decision was taken after much delay, he replied: “When our people are only demanding for his resignation what can we do? That’s why we waited so long. These are not easy things which can be decided in a day.”
Meanwhile KG Kenye, Rajya Sabha MP informed that the CM and the Governor left for Delhi since they were summoned by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Clarifying that the meeting among the legislators held today was just consultative meeting, Kenye mentioned that the CM has agreed on the decision taken in order to pave way.
On whether there would be space given to “dissident” legislators, as termed by the NPF in their recent statements, Kiyaneilie Peseyie stated that this would be “up to our CM. It is his prerogative.”
MP Kenye expects smooth transition of power
Earlier during the day, Nagaland MP to the Rajya Sabha, KG Kenye had told IANS: “Majority of the NPF legislators have unanimously elected Shurhozelie as their new legislature party leader to break the deadlock between the agitating groups and the government. We have tried our best to persuade the groups but they refused to climb down.”
“Shurhozelie has accepted the offer of the legislators to lead the NPF-led Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government to restore normalcy and prevent the imposition of President’s rule in the state,” Kenye said.
Earlier on Thursday, Governor P.B. Acharya and Zeliang left for New Delhi from Dimapur.
Zeliang is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.
“Had the Governor and the Chief Minister not left Kohima (state capital), Shurhozelie along with the legislators would have driven down to Raj Bhavan to stake claim and form the new government,” Kenye said to IANS.
He informed that both the Chief Minister and the Governor are expected to return to Kohima on Friday to pave way for formation of the new government.
“We are sure that there will be smooth transition of power as the Chief Minister himself wants to ensure peace in the state after weeks of agitation,” he said.
In the 60-member House, the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland coalition government, which comprises of 48 NPF legislators including suspended legislator Imkong Imchen, four Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and eight Independents.
With IANS input
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