Kohima Bureau
Kohima, Jan. 21 (EMN): With the countdown to the general elections in Nagaland set in motion, new developments in the state’s political scene continue to emerge. On Sun., it was learned that N Jacob Zhimomi, an independent member of the twelfth Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) from 5th Ghaspani-I assembly constituency has resigned from the assembly.
In a letter addressed to the NLA's speaker, dated Jan. 20, Zhimomi discreetly yet tersely informed of his decision to resign from the twelfth house.
The Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) MLA and co-convener of the BJP election campaign for Nagaland Mmhonlumo Kikon took to social media on Sun. evening announcing Zhimomi’s resignation from the NLA and that the latter was ‘all set’ to join BJP. “Winds of change in #Nagaland politics! Independent MLA Jacob Zhimomi resigns from the Assembly! All set to join @BJPNagaland,” Kikon tweeted.
While sources close to Zhimomi confirmed his resignation as MLA and the decision to join BJP, the move has come as a surprise to many as Zhimomi had stood firm with the Naga People’s Front (NPF) supremo Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu during the NPF's internal tussle for power which started from July 2017 and till the end of the year. It was during this period that the NPF had announced its decision to sever ties with the BJP.
Zhimomi’s resignation from the assembly is the third this month with Y Patton from Tiyi assembly constituency in Wokha district resigning on Jan. 9, and Vikho-o Yhoshü, MLA from the southern Angami-I assembly constituency putting down his papers on Jan. 20. The NLA, a house of 60, now stands with 56 members.
