Majority of NPF legislators empower Kaito to form next govt

Unanimously elect him new leader of NPF Legislature Party

EMN Dimapur, January 5 In a major turn of events that is likely to end Chief Minister TR Zeliang’s more than seven months of rule, majority of NPF legislators, at a meeting in Dimapur on Monday, unanimously elected Kaito Aye as the new leader of NPF Legislature Party and empowered him to form the new government. In view of this, the NPF legislators have appealed to the NPF party leadership “to allow inner democracy to take place and let the will of the majority prevail, as was the case in the previous change of guard when Noke had selflessly withdrawn his candidature in the greater interest of the unity of the NPF party”, according to a release issued by Imkong Imchen, spokesperson, NPF Legislature Party, Expressing utmost concern for the unity of the NPF, the house made it clear that the present exercise was not anti-party in any manner but only a move for change of leadership within the democratic norms. The meeting also decided to appoint Imkong Imchen as the spokesperson of the NPF Legislature Party and informed that all communiqués and information to the press and media for public consumption would be made through him only. The House further appealed to all NPF workers at all levels to remain calm and remain united in the greater interest of the party while also assuring all that the present move is not aimed at damaging the aspirations, vision and principles of the party. “We have trust and faith in the democratic foundations of the party and we are confident that democracy will be allowed to prevail in a smooth manner,” the release stated. The NPF Legislature Party further assured that the people of Nagaland it will form a stable DAN government under the presidentship of NPF president Dr. Shürhozelie along with a positive partnership with the NDA government at the Centre in order to strengthen the peace process and bring about an early solution to the Indo-Naga political issue along with all round development of the State. Meanwhile, sources said Chief Minister TR Zeliang called a meeting of NPF Legislature Party in Kohima on Monday but only eight legislators attended the meeting. All Independent MLAS and BJP MLAs have extended their support to Kaito Aye to lead the DAN-III government.

Rio, Khekiho support majority views

The two members of Parliament from the State, Neiphiu Rio and Khekiho Zhimomi, have also extended support to the majority view of the legislators. In a release on Monday, Lok Sabha MP Neiphiu Rio and Rajya Sabha MP Khekiho Zhimomi said, “We, the two Members of Parliament, representing the entire State of Nagaland in Delhi also extend our support to the majority view of the legislators.” They said the majority of NPF legislators have collectively decided to change the leadership of the present ministry and that they have all signed letters of support in favour of Kaito Aye to lead the NPF Legislature Party and the DAN government. “In view of this these developments, we appeal to the party men and women to remain calm and united and allow the inner party democracy of the legislators to prevail,” both the MPS stated. Maintaining that the democratic principle of majority should be allowed to prevail in the greater interest of the NPF, the MPs said they have the greatest concern for strengthening the NPF in all the areas where our party is present. Therefore, the need of the hour is for the party to stay united and give opportunity for the will of the majority to prevail, they added. Observing that Nagaland is in need of a stable and effective government which will share a positive relation with the government of India in order to bring an early resolution of the Naga peace process and accelerate development in the State, they appealed to the NPF president and NPF Legislature Party to ensure a smooth transition like in the case of the previous change of guard when Noke had magnanimously withdrawn his candidature in the greater interest of party unity.