Nagaland political crisis : TR Zeliang claims to form new government with support of 41 MLAs
Zeliang said in his letter sent to the governor that, at a meeting of the legislature party of Naga People’s Front (NPF) held on July 4 at his residence at Dimapur, 34 NPF MLAs (including him) out of 47, supportedhim to continue as the leader of the legislature party of the NPF and also authorized him to stake claim before the governor to form a new NPF led DAN government in Nagaland.
“The MLAs also urged the present Chief Minister, who is a non-MLA, to resign and pave way for me to take over as the Chief Minister,” Zeliang said in the letter.
Zeliang also claimed that, apart from 34 MLAs, 7 independent MLAs also supported him.
Zeliang requested the Nagaland governor to invite him to form a new NPF led DAN government in Nagaland.
Earlier, 30 legislators of the Naga People’s Front (NPF), the dominant partner of a coalition government in Nagaland had spirited out the north eastern Indian state and camping at a resort in Assam’s Kaziranga National Park to prepare blueprint against present Chief Minister Shurhozelie Liezietsu.
Four months after TR Zeliang was forced to step down as Chief Minister, his successor Liezietsu is now facing rebellion from his colleague ministers and MLAs.
A top source of NPF said that, at least 30 of the 47 NPF legislators had moved into a resort near Kaziranga National Park on Saturday morning in a bid to help Zeliang become the top post again.
The top source said that, the NPF MLAs had arrived at Borgos resort at around 3 am on Saturday and already booked 30 rooms of the resort.
Zeliang was forced to step down in February last and Liezietsu took charge the top post with support from maximum NPF legislators.
Meanwhile, the top source claimed that, 33 MLAs including few senior ministers of the present government and three BJP legislators have already decided to support Zeliang.
“The MLAs, who supported Zeliang are Y Patton, Kejong Chang, Kipili sangtam, Hukavi Zhimomi, Pukhyi, S I Jamir, Nuklutoshi, Merentoshi, Imkong L Imchen, Shetoyi, Khumo Khiam, Imtiwapang, Isak Konyak, Naiba Konyak, Torechu, Longrineken, Dr Benjongliba Aier, Imtikumzuk, Tovihoto, C Apok Jamir, Deo Nukhu, Imtilemba Sangtam, Dr T M Lotha, E E Pangteng, B S Nganlang, Er Levi Rengma, Er Picto Shohe, Amenba Yaden, Toyang Changkong Chang, S Chuba Longkumer, Torechu, Neiba Kronu and Mmhonlumo Kikon,” the source said.
On the other hand, Nagaland CM Liezietsu said that, the recent disturbing developments affecting the normal functioning of the state government.
In a press release, Liezietsu said the NPF led DAN government will complete its full term.
“I appeal to the people of the state to remain calm. The normal government functioning should be smooth and the benefits of the government programmes at the grassroot level especially in rural areas should not be hampered in any manner. The current issue is within the NPF party and will be resolved at the earliest to bring about normalacy in the state. The mandate of the people will be respected and the present crisis will be resolved in the larger interest of the people of the state,” Liezietsu said.
On the other hand, Liezietsu on Saturday had terminated the appointment of TR Zeliang as Advisor (Finance) in the state government.
(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
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