Liezietsu sacked, Zeliang is Nagaland’s new Chief Minister

KOHIMA: Senior Naga People’s Front (NPF) legislator T R Zeliang was sworn in as Nagaland’s 19th Chief Minister on Wednesday, hours after Governor P B Acharya dismissed Shurhozelie Liezietsu after he failed to prove his majority in the Assembly.

Acharya administered the oath of office and secrecy to the 65-year-old Zeliang in a ceremony at the Raj Bhavan here. Zeliang will have to prove his majority in the House on or before July 22.

The new Chief Minister will announce his council of ministers after the floor test. This is the second time Zeliang will be the Chief Minister after he resigned following violent protest by tribal groups opposed to his move to hold civic polls with 33 per cent seats reserved for women. Liezietsu, 80, was made to come out of retirement from electoral politics to take over as Chief Minister following Zeliang’s resignation.

Acharya dismissed the government under Clause (I) of Article 164 of the Constitution after receiving a letter from Assembly Speaker Imtiwapang Aier on Liezietsu’s failure to prove his majority in the Assembly.

Liezietsu did not attend the Assembly session convened at 9.30 am for the purpose of testing his legislative majority. “Forty-eight legislators (including Speaker) attended the session. Therefore, it is clear that Liezietsu has failed to obtain the vote of confidence despite repeated opportunities given for the same,” the Governor said.