Dimapur, July 24 (EMN): The group of NPF legislators that recently formed the government on Monday stated that it was never the intention to break away from the party and cause a split to merge with another political party.
They issued this statement in the backdrop of the recent series of expulsion and suspension order that were initiated against them.
"Though the NPF Legislature Party has more than the requisite number of MLAs to cause a split and merge with any other political party, it was never the intention of the Hon'ble Members to break away from the NPF Party." stated the press release signed by 36 of the MLAs including the Chief Minister TR Zeliang.
It stated that they condemn the "autocratic and dictatorial functioning" of NPF President, Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu under whose direction 10 MLAs were suspended and 20 MLAS expelled.
"There was no warning or show cause notice served to these MLAs prior to the action taken which is purely arbitrary and do not work in line with the Constitution of the NPF Party. The highly questionable acts of Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu in suspending, revoking and expelling MLAs at his own whims and fancies therefore, will not be tolerated anymore and appropriate action will be initiated against him as deemed fit," it stated.
The legislators in the government instead stated that the people of Nagaland have "mandated 47 NPF MLAs to govern the affairs of the State" unlike Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu although he may be the president of the NPF Party.
The legislators also recounted that, "The people or Nagaland had elected 38 MLAs on NPF party 2013 General Election which constituted absolute majority in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly thereby mandating them to govern the affairs of state for a term of 5 years. Beside 38 NPF MLAs, DAN coalition partners which was made up of 4 BJP MLAs, 1JDU, 1 NCP and 8 Independent MLAs formed an opposition less Government in the State with 8 Congress MLAs joining the NPF Party under the leadership of Shri. TR.Zeliang. However due to public pressure, Shri. TR Zeliang had graciously resigned from the office of the Chief Minister and installed Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu as the Chief Minister In the most peaceful manner, though he was not an elected member of the State Assembly. Shri. T.R Zellang had resigned from the office of the Chief Minister; however, he has never resigned nor vacated his post as Leader of DAN Legislature Party which was further reiterated by the DAN MLAs on 20.02.2017 and also as the Leader of the NPF Legislature Party on 17.06.2014. Even today, he commands the support of 47 MLAs In a House with an effective strength of 59 MLAs and accordingly, the Governor of Nagaland had on 19.07.17 administered the oath of office to Shri. T.R Zeliang based on the provisions of the Indian Constitution."
