First session of new Nagaland Legislative Assembly begins; members take oath

Kohima: The nine-day first session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) began on Monday with Pro-tem Speaker and Advisor Mhathung Yanthan administering the oath to 59 members, including 29 first timers who were elected in the recent state general election.

In his opening remark prior to administering the oath to the members, Yanthan acknowledged the first two women legislators — Salhoutuonuo Kruse and Hekani Jakhalu – who attended the session wearing mekhala, saying that the House was privileged to have them in the history of the NLA.

“We owe our achievements to God almighty for his blessings and great mercy upon us. Therefore, before we proceed with our business, I think it’s proper that we all stand in silent invocation for one minute,” he said, leading the members to a minute of silent prayer which apparently is a first of its kind over the years in NLA history.

A total of 29 new members and 31 old legislators took the oath of office. It was the ninth oath-taking for Advisor Noke Wangnao (between 1974 and 2023), while it was the eighth time for Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Dy CM TR Zeliang.

The pro-tem Speaker adjourned the House after obituary reference to former MLA Imtiwapang Aier who died on January 7.

Meanwhile, Governor La. Ganesan will deliver his maiden address in the NLA on Tuesday, which will be followed by discussion on the motion of thanks to the Governor’s address on Thursday after a recess on Wednesday.

Rio, who also holds the finance portfolio, will present the 2023-24 budget on March 27 before the session ends on March 28. The nine-day session will have four-day break – Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The chief minister on Monday congratulated the members, especially the two women who were elected to NLA for the first time. He expressed confidence that each of the MLAs is committed to serving the people towards achieving peace and development in the state.

Speaking to PTI after the oath taking, Kruse, who has also been sworn in as the first women cabinet minister of Nagaland, said “I am very happy”.

Kruse has been allocated the Women Development and Horticulture portfolio.

“We are very happy and very excited to be able to make it to the Assembly. It is an honour and we will try our best to live up to the expectations of the people,” said Jakhalu, who has been appointed as an advisor to the Industries and Commerce department.

It may be mentioned that the PDA (NDPP-BJP) has retained power in the state after winning 37 seats in the 60-member Assembly in the recent state general election. The remaining 23 legislators from other political parties and Independent candidates have also declared support to the NDPP-BJP government.

(With inputs from PTI)