AMN / KOHIMA
The newly elected MLAs of alliance partners – Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), BJP and others today elected Neiphiu Rio as their leader. The NDPP leader had yesterday staked claim to form the government in the state claiming that the alliance has the majority.
On the other hand, Chief Minister TR Zeliang along with other elected Naga People’s Front MLAs also called on the Governor and claimed to form the next government, as it emerged as the single largest party in the recently held elections. The Chief Minister claimed that he enjoys the support of other elected members. The Governor has given both groups 48 hours to prove majority.
Meanwhile, the political equation has changed in the state as the Tening Assembly Constituency seat was yesterday awarded to the NDPP. With this, the total strength of NDPP has gone up to 18. BJP has 12 MLAs, NPF – 26, JD (U) -1, Independent -1 and NPP has two.
Though the election battle is over, the race to power is still on, as both claimants- NDPP+ BJP along with one JDU and one Independent MLAs have staked claim to form the next government, while the NPF with 26 MLAs and NPP with two MLAs have also met with the Governor and insisted that NPF is the single largest party.
NDPP+BJP have 30 and with one JDU and Independent have a simple majority of 32 members. NPF, on the other hand, has 26 members and along with pre-poll partner, NPP claimed 28.
It may be mentioned here that the JD (U), along with the Nationalist Peoples’ Party (NPP) had signed a letter of support with the NPF, prior to the declaration of the State Assembly election results.
Governor P B Acharya has given 48 hours to both groups to prove their majority. The swearing-in ceremony of the new ministry will be held either on Mar. 7 or 8th. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to attend the ceremony.
According to sources, unlike other years, the ceremony has been scheduled to be held at Kohima local ground.
Neiphiu Rio, on Sunday said that his priority would be to bring transparency in governance in the “troubled” state.