NDPP and BJP will consult on offers of support, says Nagaland Chief Minister

Portfolios to be allocated in next few days

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Tuesday said discussions and consultations will be held between the NDPP-BJP alliance partners to decide on the support being extended to the ruling government by other political parties.

He stated this while interacting with journalists after the swearing-in ceremony luncheon held at Raj Bhavan in Kohima.

However, Rio said, “When people support me, I can’t say no. So grateful to them and maybe this is the best thing for Nagas.”

On being elected as the chief minister of Nagaland for the fifth term Rio said, “It’s the good wishes of the people, the good will and people’s support. I am humbled and very happy to be back as CM of our people.”

The Rio-led government for the first time elected two deputy chief ministers and the first woman minister of the state. Replying to queries of the media persons, Rio said the appointment was made based on the requirement for deputy chief ministers, adding that it was also for the convenience of the two alliance parties.

With regard to the induction of one woman into the cabinet out of the two women legislators, he said the agenda of the government is women empowerment and gender equality; and asserted that they were both capable and efficient.

Speaking about the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and National BJP President JP Nadda at the swearing-in ceremony,  he said ‘out of their happiness, they want to show solidarity with us, so it’s very rare for their presence, to come together to grace the occasion’, and expressed gratitude for the same.

Rio also mentioned that Modi, Shah and Sarma had addressed election campaigns in the state.

Portfolios to be allocated in ‘day or two’

Meanwhile, amidst speculations on the allocation of various portfolios to the cabinet ministers and the elected members, Rio said it will be allocated ‘in a day or two’. The list of advisors is also expected to be announced once the portfolios are allocated.

Following the swearing-in ceremony, the cabinet ministers of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) also held its first meeting, Rio said.

NPF extends support

Meanwhile, Kuzholuzo Nienu, leader of Naga People’s Front (NPF) legislature party, said the party has also extended support to the Rio-led government.

This development was informed by Nienu at the sideline of the swearing-in ceremony at Capital Cultural Hall in Kohima.

He added that they have submitted their letter of support.