100% status quo cannot be maintained in new ministry: Zeliang
Principal Correspondent
KOHIMA, MAY 21
LEGISLATORS camping to lobby for berth in the new DAN-III ministry under TR Zeliang returned home with the latter convincing 40 and more of his supporters to end their camp out. The supporters comprised of ministers, parliamentary secretaries and MLAs who had been holed up at Hotel Japfu, Kohima since May 16.
The legislators who returned home today, comprised NPF (27); BJP & JD(U) one each, all NCP except Mhonlumo as he in Delhi and the eight Independent MLAs. One such legislator told this correspondent this evening before leaving the hotel that the legislators who have been camping since May 16 have also been conducting regular attendance.
Meanwhile, talking to this correspondent over phone this evening, Chief Minister designate TR Zeliang said “I came back and had discussions with them (campers) after which everyone went back home”.
Zeliang had been to Delhi since May 17 along ministers G. Kaito Ayeh and CM Chang to meet the BJP central leaders for the new MP and outgoing CM Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio. However, following the reports of NPF-led DAN legislators restarting their camp at Hotel Japfu Kohima, he returned yesterday.
“I have explained to them that now that everything has been settled and declared, there is no point camping as it reflects wrongfully on us,” he said. Zeliang also added that “we have decided to wait for Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s return only after which a final decisions will be taken”. Rio is arriving tomorrow afternoon and likely to submit his resignation by Friday, the new leader of DAN-III said while also declaring to approach the governor for staking claim to install the new ministry.
Ministry reshuffle inevitable
On political analysts talking about changes in the new ministry by sacking away ministers and parliamentary secretaries after taking over as Chief Minister, Zeliang said “hundred per cent status quo cannot be maintained while hundred per cent changes cannot be brought about either”.
He asserted that the next ministry will be installed only after proper consultation with senior party ministers and leaders, including Rio and NPF president Dr Shürhozelie. Zeliang also said that once the incumbent Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio resigns, his entire ministry has to go and changes in the next ministry will be inevitable.
Mention may be made here that Rio has to officially submit his resignation to the Governor Dr. Ashwani Kumar and Assembly Speaker Chotisuh Sazo to clear the way a new ministry to be insatlled.
No signs of ‘berth’ pang for Rio
Zeliang also set aside speculations that the lone MP from Nagaland in the form of the Chief Minister is likely to be overlooked for a political role with the BJP alone sweeping into the realms of Central government, and fuel the latter’s compulsion to return back to the state. To this the Chief Minister designate said “there is nothing like that, because things have been settled and we are sure Rio will get a berth in the new BJP government at the Centre”. Unconfirmed sources said that Rio’s name has already been included the first list of the Modi’s new Union Council of Ministers.
Patience is a virtue: Azo
Minister for Roads and Bridges, Kuzholuzo Nienu, who was also one of the campers at Hotel Japfu since Friday, told this correspondent that “everybody has moved out and even attended their respective offices today”.
Revealing that Rio would be landing at Kohima by chopper at around 3:30 pm tomorrow, he said “we have decided to patiently wait for Neiphiu Rio’s return”. He said a series of discussions and consultations will be held for installation of the next government after Rio’s arrival.
Azo, who is also holds Parliamentary Affairs portfolio in the present ministry, confirmed that once Rio resigns as Chief Minister, his entire ministry has to follow suit.
Camping to check “horse-trading”
says MLA
Meanwhile, another legislator without wanting to be named, revealed “we decided to camp together so that there is no horse-trading and also avoid the possible challenges from those against TR Zeliang”. The legislator also revealed that the non-campers have been asking to maintain status quo of the present ministry while installing the new government, said “we the campers don’t want status quo and changes have to be made”.
