CAMPING-COUP FALLS APART ON EVE OF MINISTRY RECONSTITUTION
Just as T.R. Zeliang ministry was to be reconstituted in order to accommodate legislators from both camps (Dr. Shürhozelie and T.R. Zeliang), a group of legislators on Wednesday reportedly attempted a coup of sorts to strike a deal by delaying the process.
According to a senior legislator, around 18 legislators led by some senior ministers had gathered at Hotel de Oriental Grand, Kohima. This came to light after another legislator had gone to the hotel to book a room for a visiting BJP leader.
It transpired on Wednesday morning, after some legislators, reportedly led by some cabinet ministers, camped at de Oriental Grand under the pretext of a meeting called by NPF president, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, the legislator said.
However, upon learning that Dr. Shürhozelie had not called for any meeting, some legislators managed to escape from the scene while some were convinced to remain.
In due course of time, the NPF loyalist who remained with Dr. Shürhozelie and T.R. Zeliang reportedly held series of meetings throughout the day.
It was also learnt that the legislators camped at de Oriental Grand had to call off their attempted coup and gradually dispersed by evening.
Meanwhile, in response to Nagaland BJP’s reservation on severance of ties by the NPF party, the latter’s core committee recommended to continue the alliance with BJP at its meeting Wednesday.
The recommendation will be taken up by the Central Executive Council (CEC) of the NPF to review severing of ties with BJP.
Sources informed that the issue between NPF and BJP was likely to be settled soon. As a sequel to the reconstitution of the DAN coalition government, chief minister T.R Zeliang has sacked four of his senior cabinet ministers Wednesday evening.
As per the notification issued by cabinet secretary, the governor of Nagaland had accepted the removal of the four senior ministers– Y. Patton, Tokheho Yepthomi, Dr. Niekiesalie (Nicky) Kire and Neiba Kronu.
It was also informed that the new ministry was likely to be installed on December 14 right after the winter session of the NLA.
Meanwhile, national BJP general secretary (in-charge of North East), Ram Mhadav, who arrived at Kohima Wednesday gave a “clarion call” that the government under the leadership of T.R. Zeliang should not be disturbed.
BJP sources informed Nagaland Post that Ram Mhadav arrived Wednesday morning and called on NPF president, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu at his residence.
Sources informed that the meeting went on for more than an hour and said Mhadav urged Dr. Shürhozelie to unite with chief minister, T.R. Zeliang to strengthen the NPF party and to continue the government without any disturbance.
Mhadav had also directed all the four BJP legislators to support T.R. Zeliang.
Also it was informed that Mhadav met chief minister, T.R. Zeliang and other ministers and conveyed the same message that he (Zeliang) should unite with Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu and that the government should continue under his leadership (T.R. Zeliang).
Sources also informed that the national BJP general secretary had met Nagaland Governor, P.B. Acharya. However, the outcome of the meeting was not known.