T.R. ZELIANG, NOKE WANGNAO IN THE RACE
It would appear that tussle for the post of chief minister between two senior ministers, besets the ruling NPF in the event current incumbent Neiphiu Rio vacates the chair on being elected to the 16th Lok Sabha.
The contest to become the next chief minister of the state is now left between two ministers- T.R.Zeliang and Noke Wangnao- after one senior minister, who was also in the race, has opted out “ in the larger interest of the party”.
It may be recalled, that PHED minister Noke Wangnao’s name resurfaced after he was initially reluctant to be a candidate. Though it cannot be confirmed, names of 22 NPF legislators were revealed, as backing T.R.Zeliang. The ruling NPF has 38 legislators who would choose the successor to Neiphiu Rio to lead the DAN-III as the next chief minister.
According to information, around 20 NPF legislators had reportedly met chief minister Neiphiu Rio late Tuesday evening at his residence.
At Tuesday’s meeting the legislators informed chief minister Neiphiu Rio about their support for T.R Zeliang to succeed him(Rio).
The issue of who, among the two ministers, would be Rio’s successor, has obviously resulted in supporters of the two ministers to be on different sides.
It may also be recalled, that on Tuesday R& B and parliamentary affairs minister Azo Neinu, who is the chief whip of the NPF legislature party, had appealed to members to maintain calm and desist from any act that may invite disciplinary action.
Another meeting followed on Wednesday where those who attended included-chief minister Neiphiu Rio, NPF president Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, minister of parliamentary affairs and R&B and NPF chief whip Kuzholuzo Azo Nienu and minister tourism Panteang. The meeting reportedly took stock of the ongoing campaign between two camps. The outcome of the meeting was not known till the time of filing this report.
It was also learnt that over a dozen NPF legislators supporting T.R.Zeliang had also met earlier on Wednesday morning in Dimapur. None could be contacted as their mobiles were switched off.
The sources also informed that pre- poll alliance partners of DAN-III such as BJP and JDU, including post-poll alliance member NCP, have decided to go along with whatever will be decided by the majority of the NPF legislature.
It may be recalled that, earlier this year, while making known his desire to contest for the Lok Sabha, chief minister Neiphiu Rio had expressed his view, that perhaps the next chief minister could be from ENPO areas.
DAN sources had revealed that earlier, when approached by some legislators, PHED minister Noke Wangnao, had expressed his inability.
However, recently, Noke had clarified that since such a decision was yet to be taken by the NPF party, the question of him declining or accepting did not arise.
Despite the gag order on NPF divisions and units not to issue public statements in support of any of the contenders for the post of chief minister, in the event current incumbent Neiphiu Rio vacates the chair on being elected to the 16th Lok Sabha, five NPF Divisions have gone ahead in expressing support for PHED minister Noke Wangnao.
Meanwhile, National vice president of ST Morcha Johny Rengma expressed confidence that NPF president Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu, whom he described as the ‘patriarch of regional parties in North East” would be able to decide on the right person to succeed chief minister Neiphiu Rio within the elected members of the NPF and taking into confidence the DAN alliance partners.
Speaking to media persons at CK Arcade here today, Rengma also expressed the hope, that the BJP with its alliance partners in the north east would win 13 seats out of 25 as the people have responded against the Congress.
He said the BJP manifesto focussed on governance in the north east which shares 80% of its borders with other south east Asian nations. Rengma said the BJP would ensure that the region prospered so that the states add to the nation’s glory. He also dismissed speculations in the media that Rio was likely not going to Delhi and termed them as “rubbish”. Rengma said Rio would never disrespect the mandate of the Naga people. On the demand for repoll by Congress, he said ECI should have taken a timely decision but should not act under pressure.
NPF gag order on party rank and file
DIMAPUR, MAY 7 (NPN): As per powers conferred under Article V.No 5 of the party constitution, Naga People’s Front (NPF) president Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu has directed all party frontal organisations, cells and subordinate units of the NPF party to refrain from issuing press statements either in favour or against any person while the search for a new leader of the party’s legislative wing .
This was stated by K.G.Kenye secretary general NPF Central Headquarter Office, in a press statement.
Kenye also reiterated, that as per the decision of the NPF working committee on February 19, the party was already in the process of initiating and undertaking the process for a smooth transition. In order not to disturb the progress made, Kenye said the order has been issued for the NPF party’s rank and file and members which was to be strictly complied with.
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