It is for the first time in Nagaland’s political history that a state Governor had dismissed a chief minister under controversial circumstances and which does not auger well for a politically sensitive state.
Making this point at a press meet at the CM’s residence here, regional stalwart of the north east Dr. Shürhozlie Liezietsü maintained that the Governor’s actions in not giving fair opportunity to him and then asking for a floor test within a short time was against the conventions of parliamentary democracy.
When it was mentioned that the Governor maintained he had given enough time, Dr. Shürho said it was “white lies”. He accused the P.B. Acharya of acting in a manner unbecoming of a Governor and in an immature way.
Dr. Shürhozelie minced no word in describing the incumbent at Raj Bhavan Kohima as one who turned it into a BJP central office. “ I congratulate him, even at his old age, he works very actively to install BJP government in Nagaland”, said Dr. Liezietsu.
The deposed chief minister said right after the High Court ruling, the Governor dismissed his government in the afternoon and by evening “installed his favourite Heraka boy into the chair”. Dr. Shürhozelie said he was sorry that he had to “ come out with facts because Nagas must know the facts” and had no regrets in saying so.
He also expressed deep concern about the indication of the present political developments were taking the Nagas to. Dr. Shürhozelie regretted that there were some kind of political leaders among Nagas who were taking people to another direction. On Lok Sabha MP Neiphiu Rio describing the NPF party reconciliation of revoking his suspension as “a mockery”, Dr. Shürhozelie said it was done after requests from the church including the Governor himself in order to create a congenial political environment.
On the July 21 floor test, Dr. Shürhozelie disclosed that a Whip was issued to all MLAs be it in Hotel Vivor or other place to abide by it or face disqualification proceedings under Tenth Schedule of the Indian constitution. He said 11 MLAs will vote against the motion in line with the party Whip. He also said the NLA Speaker was not at liberty to interpret rules governing the functioning of the legislature and should remain above partisan politics otherwise it will be a violation of the oath of office and also the spirit of democracy.
On whether he consulted his cabinet colleagues about going for by election, Dr. Shürhozelie replied in the affirmative. He said when he agreed to request of the cabinet to contest the by election, suddenly something developed.
Dr. Shürhozelie also reiterated he won’t be contesting the 2018 election but would continue to be a guide and mentor to the party to ensure that NPF comes back to power and then retire from all active politics.
On being asked to resign as NPF president by some who had only recently joined the NPF, Dr. Shürhozelie said there was no such provision in the party constitution where demands by dissident(s) was enough reason to do so.
“When the time comes, I will resign but not when I am asked to by those who have no roots in the NPF.”
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