Kohima: In a new dramatic twist in the political development of Nagaland, Naga People’s Front (NPF) legislature party leader, T R Zeliang will be heading the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) as its new chairman, while another NPF MLA will be appointed as the cabinet minister.
The chief minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio will also be campaigning for NPF Manipur in the forthcoming Manipur election which is scheduled to be held in two phases on February 27 and March 3 respectively.
Neiba Kronu, minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Planning & Coordination and Land Revenue informed about the latest political development to media persons after attending a joint parliamentary meeting of UDA which was held today in the chief minister’s residential complex.
Minister Neiba Kronu further said the cabinet appointment will be against the vacant post after the demise of the minister C M Chang.
The swearing in ceremony of the new cabinet minister is scheduled for tomorrow, he added. However, the minister did not divulge anything about who will be appointed as a minister.
On being asked about the vacancy, he answered that the appointment will be under the prerogative of the chief minister.
Neiba Kronu also said that the joint parliamentary meeting decided that chief minister Rio will be campaigning for NPF in the forthcoming Manipur State elections.
When asked about campaigning for BJP beside NPF, he did not divulge further.
Mmhonlumo Kikon, BJP national spokesperson was also present during the media briefing.
A joint parliamentary meeting of UDA was attended by the members of Nagaland Legislative Assembly which includes – NDPP, BJP, NPF and Independent.
It may be mentioned that Nagaland is in opposition-less government after forming the UDA. Presently, the NDPP, BJP and independents are running the government.