Principal Correspondent
Kohima, February 11
After the floor test in the February 5 emergent session of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA), both the camps of the ruling Naga People’s Front (NPF) are now pursuing their case with the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Noke Wangnao-led NPF group had filed a petition with the ECI on January 22 seeking recognition of their party as the ‘original NPF’ in the state.
However, taking cognizance under the symbols order with two rival groups claiming to be the original party, the ECI, a day ahead of the special session of NLA, had issued notice to the two groups to file reply/written statement latest by February 16, 2015.
The Commission is seized of the dispute in the party and the Commission has already initiated the process of enquiry into matter, maintained an order of the ECI issued to both the parties on February 4 last.The ECI had also restrained from accepting either of the parties as the ‘original NPF party’ till February 16.
Having completed the formalities of the ‘trial of strength’, which even brought together the arch rivals in politics – Congress and BJP – as well as the 22, dissident legislators, including an Independent MLA, to vote in favour of TR Zeliang’s NPF-led DAN government, now political melee has shifted to Delhi.
Sources in both the camps of NPF revealed that their leaders have already reached Delhi to meet the ECI and present their claims and counter claims.
Noke Wangnao-led NPF represented by his legislative leader G. Kaito Aye and others reached Delhi on Sunday followed by his advisor and legal expert yesterday. The team is yet to finalise their official meeting with the ECI.
On the other hand, Chief Minister TR Zeliang has been camping in Delhi since February 8, right after attending the meeting of Niti Aayog (erstwhile Planning Commission) held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He would be joining officials from Dr. Shürhozelie led NPF, who have reached Delhi tonight. NPF central president Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu and secretary general K G Kenye are leading the team.
Confirming the landing in Delhi, Kenye said that they would be calling on the ECI within the next two days and submit a written statement on the claims made by their rival group.
