Simmering disgruntlement within the ruling Naga People’s Front (NPF) over cabinet berth, rose into a crescendo of anger after portfolios were allocated and later names of newly appointed parliamentary secretaries announced late Tuesday evening here in Kohima.
Hundreds of supporters of second time elected member of 9 Kohima town constituency Dr. Nicky Kire were angry that their candidate, did not find a cabinet berth and later, when appointed as parliamentary secretary, did not get a plump portfolio.
Dr. Nicky who was chairman NKVIB was appointed as parliamentary secretary with the portfolios of justice, law and land revenue.
Dr. Nicky’s supporters gathered in front of chief minister’s residence (gate) Tuesday evening demanding a better portfolio.
They also said their demand did not come from the candidate but was their collective decision. They pointed out that Kohima town has a good leader who needed a good portfolio such as Urban Development.
It may be mentioned that the urban development portfolio was allotted to the chief minister’s brother Zhaleo Rio, who got elected for the first time from 5 Ghaspani-II.
The disappointment was not restricted to Dr. Nicky’s supporters but even for supporters of former speaker in the 11th dissolved NLA Kiyanilie Peseyie.
A close aide of Kiyanilie disclosed that he (Kiyanilie) was unhappy with the PHED and wanted a better portfolio. He said Kiyanilie’s supporters had already informed the chief minister of their grievances.
AGITATION PLANNED
Kiyanilie’s supporters warned, that if nothing concrete emerged by Wednesday, they will agitate in the form of blockade of the NH 29 and disruption of water supply to Kohima in areas falling under 8 Western Angami Assembly Constituency.
NPF members were visibly unhappy at the inclusion of Merentoshi Jamir the youngest elected member and first-timer into the cabinet . The displeasure was writ large on the faces of those present at the swearing-in ceremony.
One elected NPF member told this correspondent that induction into the cabinet should have been based on merit and seniority.
Another elected members opined that there were other factors for which Merentoshi was inducted by bypassing other senior leaders.
Another NPF member expressed disappointment with chief minister for not keeping campaign promises. Several elected members gave the swearing-in a miss.