Nagaland chief minister T.R.Zeliang who was sworn-in twice (in May 2014 and then in July 2017) on Tuesday, effected the fourth reshuffle of his ministry when he appointed ten Advisors in addition to six and also allocated portfolios to the six who were inducted into the cabinet.
The present DAN-III legislature has 59 members( after the passing away of late Kiyanilie) out of which there are 12 cabinet ministers including the chief minister, 16 Advisors and 16 Parliamentary Secretaries. Thus a total of 44 NPF, BJP and Independent legislators are in the ministry. NPF president Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu is not in the ministry.
The remaining 14 NPF legislators not in the ministry had been dropped during the recent reshuffle– six former ministers, three former advisors and five former parliamentary secretaries.
Meanwhile talking to media persons after the oath taking ceremony, chief minister, T.R Zeliang when asked about the eventual fate of parliamentary secretaries and advisors as in other states, clarified that the appointments were made till such time the court did not intervene.
Also asked about Rengma Hoho asking legislators to resign in order to pave way for Naga political solution, Zeliang said an NGO cannot issue such diktat as such a matter was not discussed.
Zeliang however questioned how one tribal hoho can ask legislators to resign just like that since the government was established by the constitution of India and will continue in accordance with the constitution.
On the response of the government, Zeliang said the situation will depend on Government of India and NNPGs on whether they will come to a conclusion.
Regarding Lotha Hoho’s recent statement against dropping of a member from the Cabinet, the chief minister said ministry formation was decided by the elected members and the party . Therefore, when anyone member was dropped or expelled from the party, tribal hoho should not get involved, he said.
In lighter vein Zeliang said when any member of a church was removed or expelled, no tribal hoho ever intervened or interfered.
Advisors: In a departure from the past, all 16 advisors have not been given cabinet status.
The ten who were administered oath of office by the chief minister as Advisors were– E.E. Pangteang, Chotisuh Sazo, Yitachu, Thongwang Konyak, Thomas Ngullie, Vikho-ü Yhoshu, R.Tohanba, Torechu, Tovihoto Ayemi and Jacob Zhimomi.
Parliamentary Secretaries: Meanwhile after the rejig on Tuesday, the chief minister also re-allocated portfolios of all the 16 parliamentary secretaries.
