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| Neiphiu Rio |
State governor Nikhil Kumar will administer the oath of office and secrecy to Rio. The list of the cabinet ministers is likely to be submitted to the Governor by Tuesday.
Naga People’s Front (NPF)-led DAN, having 40 elected members, along with the support of seven Independents had already staked claim to form the government.
According to a DIPR report, Raj Bhavan, Kohima has invited all the newly elected MLAs, dignitaries of political parties, administrative heads of departments, heads of departments, heads of central organizations, dignitaries of public enterprises, heads of NGOs and representatives of government and private media to the swearing-in ceremony.
Swearing-in of parl. Secretaries:
The function of oath taking for parliamentary secretaries would take place Tuesday at State Banquet Hall, Kohima at 3 p.m.
In a statement, the chief minister’s secretariat has invited all MLAs, dignitaries of political parties, administrative heads of departments and heads of departments, heads of central organizations, heads of NGOs and representatives of government and private media to attend the function.
Tussle for cabinet berths in DAN-III
For incoming chief minister Neiphiu Rio, leading the ruling Naga People’s Front(NPF) not only to its third innings in power but for the first time, with an overwhelming majority of 38 seats may have been easier than finalizing the list of 12 ministers and proposed 18 parliamentary secretaries for the new DAN-III government.
Rio has been given a list of names for induction as ministers on Sunday by a three-member committee (T.R. Zeliang, G. Kaito Aye and Kuzholuzo Neinu).
The committee authorized the chief minister to complete the list as representatives for Mokokchung and Longleng remained undecided.
Five of the six ministers including the chief minister in DAN-II who were re-elected find mention in the probable list.
The five include- Neiphiu Rio (CM) and ministers- T.R. Zeliang, Kuzholuzo (Azo) Neinu, G. Kaito Aye and P. Longon.
Outgoing Speaker of the 11th NLA, Kiyanilie Peseyie’s name has been included as representative from Kohima district.
Inclusion of Imkong L. Imchen former home minister was kept in abeyance till he cleared the pending case against him for the February 18 seizure of weapons, cash and IMFL by Assam Rifles near Longsa village in Wokha district.
The “tussle” for cabinet berth from Mokokchung district has become a two-way race between Nuklutoshi chairman NIDC and NHC in DAN-II and first timer Merentoshi R. Jamir.
Besides Mokokchung, the other district where claimants have pushed themselves include Longleng. It was also learnt that there would be no representative from either Dimapur or Kiphire.
In addition to tussle for cabinet berth, it was also learnt that demand for plump portfolios among aspirants was ongoing.
There has been so much speculation over portfolio allocations but informed sources said it will be clear only after the swearing-in on March 5.
With as many as 8 former parliamentary secretaries, four chairmen of various government undertakings, a deputy chairman State Planning Board and four Advisors expecting elevation, Rio has to walk a tightrope as he would have to appease those who cannot become ministers with plump portfolios.
Earlier, the name of P. Longon was doing the rounds as the next Speaker of the 12th NLA. However, it was learnt that Longon had declined the proposal and wanted cabinet berth.
The name of Chotisuh Sazo former parliamentary secretary was doing the rounds as the next Speaker of the 12 NLA.
As per the constitutional amendment, only 12 (including the chief minister) can be made ministers in a house of 60.
The new DAN-III ministry could also have as many as 18 parliamentary secretaries which would also include some six to seven new faces.
Pochury community demands cabinet berth for Yitachu
Pochury community represented by Pochury Public Forum, Pochury Students’ Union, Pochury Hoho, Kohima, Pochury GBs’ Union, Pochury Mothers’ Association and Pochury Women Organization, Kohima, has appealed the chief minister Neiphiu Rio and top NPF party functionaries to accommodate MLA Yitachu from 20 Meluri A/C to the DAN III council of ministers.
Stating that 20 Meluri A/C was the second largest constituency in terms of geographical area covering more than 50% of Phek district, it said that since Nagaland attained statehood, elected members from the constituency have never been given any major portfolios.
Seeking special attention for the backward tribe, the organizations said Yitachu has been representing the constituency for the last three terms has been bringing programme of the government to the people.
In view of his unwavering loyalty to NPF, Yitachu should be given a cabinet berth to make him more effective, the organizations argued.
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