Nagaland in political crisis, NPF wants Zeliang as CM

Nagaland appears headed for a fresh bout of political crisis with majority of the ruling Naga People’s Front legislators gunning for the ouster of Chief Minister Shurhozelie Liezietsu.

The rebellion within the legislature party erupted accusing Liezietsu, who took over as Chief Minister four months ago, of indulging in “nepotism” by appointing his son Khriehu Liezietsu as his advisor with cabinet status and pay.

Khriehu had resigned from his Northern AngamiI assembly seat last month to enable his father to contest and become an elected member in the Nagaland Assembly in order to continue as Chief Minister.

Chief Minister Liezietsu voiced confidence that the crisis within the NPF would be resolved at the earliest.

The NPF legislators along with the Independent legislators are camping at a resort in Kaziranga National Park in Assam to discuss the transition of power.

Of the 47 NPF legislators, 35 have signed a “letter of support” wanting Liezietsu's predecessor T.R. Zeliang to take over again as Chief Minister.

Liezietsu, who is also the NPF president, was sworn in as Chief Minister on February 22 this year after Zeliang resigned following violent protest by tribal groups who were opposed to his move to hold civic polls with 33 per cent reservation for women.

“More than 40 (NPF and Independents) legislators have signed a letter of support in favour Zeliang as the new legislature party leader,” a senior NPF legislator, who wished not to quoted, said.

“We are waiting for the return of Governor (P.B. Acharya) to Nagaland to brief him about the political developments and Zeliang to stake claim to form the new government,” the NPF legislator said.

The fresh political instability has come at a time when Liezietsu is gearing up for the July 29 bypolls from the Northern Angami-I assembly constituency. In an e-mailed statement, the CM said that he was deeply pained by the recent disturbing developments affecting the normal functioning of the government.