Rumblings over ministry formation

T.R. Zeliang was sworn-in as chief minister on July 19 and won the floor test by 47-11, when the fact remains that there is no opposition in house and the government is supposed to be an “all-party”. Several aspirants, most of them senior legislators who did not find their names in the cabinet list, have openly expressed their unhappiness.

This was evident when senior leader from Longleng district Pangnyu Phom walked straight up to chief minister T.R. Zeliang and Lok Sabha MP Neiphiu Rio, soon after the swearing-in ceremony ended. Pangnyu did not mince words when he told both in Nagamese– “Ami Kushi Pa Nai” (I am not happy). He told media persons that he was “very disappointed and angry” for being overlooked despite having played a major role in the recent rebellion. Another senior legislator inducted into the cabinet, Y. Patton expressed unhappiness for being downgraded in the cabinet list, which was No.3 now to No.4. 

Interacting with media persons, chief minister T.R. Zeliang said all the problems would be ironed out soon and that appointments of parliamentary secretaries and Advisors would follow suit. 

When asked the reason for Pangnyu’s resentment, Zeliang opined it was probably because he was not inducted into the cabinet. He justified the exclusion on the ground that there was need for maintaining tribe equation within the NPF-BJP government. Zeliang expressed confidence that it will be smooth sailing for his government and assured that all disgruntlement would be resolved soon. 

Asked about Patton being unhappy for being listed as No.4 in the cabinet list, Zeliang said Patton had misunderstood it adding, “this was not an Assembly sitting arrangement but only for swearing in.”

Patton could not be contacted as he had left soon after swearing-in and also did not join his colleagues for dinner provided at Raj Bhavan.

There was also confusion over the swearing-in of EE Pangteang whose name was on the list. At the last moment, Noke’s name was called much to the annoyance of Pangteang. Asked about it, Zeliang said Noke could not be informed as he was out of station but that he would be sworn-in on Monday at 9 a.m.

When asked why P. Paiwang Konyak former minister and BJP MLA was dropped, Zeliang said it was directive from the Central BJP. However, when contacted state BJP president Visasolie Lhongu said he was not aware of the arrangement and that he was not informed.

Zeliang also informed that he will not suspend those members who had voted against him during floor test held on July 21.

Meanwhile, some aspiring MLAs, who were in support of Zeliang, said they did not attend the swearing-in ceremony since they were ignored and left out despite sacrificing themselves during the entire political crisis.