Kohima, July 25 (EMN): Chief Minister TR Zeliang on Tuesday inducted 9 advisers and 26 parliamentary secretaries to his new ministry. A formal swearing-in function was held for the new teams at the State Banquet Hall, Kohima.
The new advisers include NPF MLAs CM Chang, Deo Nukhu, Naiba Konyak, Noke Wangnao, Nuklutoshi, Pukhayi Sumi, SI Jamir and S Pangnyu Phom, and Dr. TM Lotha from BJP, while parliamentary secretaries are: BS Nganglang, Dr. Benjongliba Aier, C Apok Jamir, Eshak Konyak, Hukavi Zhimomi, Imtikumzuk, Khekaho Assumi, Kropol Vitsu, L Khumo, Dr. Longrineken, Merentoshi R Jamir, Namri Nchang, Dr. Neiphrezo Keditsu, Pohwang Konyak, Shetoyi Sumi, Tovihoto Ayemi, Vikho-o Yhoshü and Zhaleo Rio from NPF; Independent MLAs Amenba Yaden, Levi Rengma, N Thomas Ngullie, Picto Shohe, S Chuba Longkumer, Toyang Chang and YM Yolow; and P Paiwang Konyak of BJP.
With today’s swearing-in, chief minister Zeliang has accommodated all the 46 MLAs who supported him during the recent power tussle. Earlier, 11 members were inducted in the council of ministers. Following the administration of oath to the new team of advisers and parliamentary secretaries today, Zeliang told reporters that the process of allocation of portfolios will be done in “a day or two”.
When asked about the ongoing legal battle with former chief minister and NPF president Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, Zeliang said they (Liezietsu’s side) were challenging the authority of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) speaker and the Governor as to why the government is being allowed to function. “They want to stay the process of formation of a new government but the court did not allow. Hopefully the petition will be dismissed in due course of time,” the chief minister said.
On being queried about the fate of the 10 NPF legislators who voted against him during the July 21 floor test, he said as per the anti-defection law, any member who defies the whip would directly attract disqualification and so, if any member files a petition before the speaker, the speaker will take up the matter according to the anti defection rules. He also pointed out that according to the state assembly anti defection rules, such a petition can only be submitted after 15 days.
On whether any action is to be taken against those 10 MLAs, Zeliang said the matter would be taken up in the NPF legislature party meeting.
He also reiterated the NPF legislature party resolution taken on July 24 that the action taken by the NPF party president Liezietsu is not in line with the party constitution. He maintained that 10 MLAs were suspended and 20 expelled (including Zeliang) and none of them had received any notice or warning. He elaborated that as per the party constitution, notice or warning should be given and after that, if the reply is not satisfactory to the disciplinary action committee (DAC) then the committee can recommend to the party president for action.
“But such process was not carried out. They have directly suspended in the first place, then revoked the order after a few days, and then suspended again and now some are expelled, which is arbitrary order according to the constitution of the party,” Zeliang said, and pointed out that this is why the elected members have ‘raised against’ the party president that he should step down. “Being the head of the party, he should follow the party constitution,” he added.
On MKR Pillai’s multi-crore scam case, he said his government will definitely take up the issue. He stated that an inquiry commission was already set up so proper investigation should take place. When asked about Pillai’s termination order which the public is yet to see, the chief minister said he was yet to see the file but if termination order was processed then it will be approved. He insisted that till the time, the investigation is completed, he (Pillai) cannot be allowed to continue.
Noke appointed as DAN chairman
Meanwhile MLA and new advisor to the government, Noke Wangnao has been appointed as chairman of the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) on Tuesday during a DAN Legislature Party meeting held in the State Banquet Hall, Kohima.
A communiqué containing the resolutions of the said meeting, issued by the media cell of the chief minister’s office stated that Wangnao’s candidature was proposed by minister Imtilemba Sangtam (BJP), seconded by advisor SI Jamir (NPF) and parliamentary secretary Levi Rengma (independent), in the presence of vice-chairman DAN and BJP Nagaland president, Visasolie Lhoungu.
