Kohima: Two days after his predecessor skipped a trust vote and was almost immediately replaced, Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang has won his test of strength. It is, say many, the first in a series of steps towards an Arunachal Pradesh-style political change-up.
Mr Zeliang won 47 of 59 votes in the assembly.
The ruling Naga People's Front is now deeply divided. One section is preparing to petition in court against today's floor test, those supporting Mr Zeliang are debating suspending 11 lawmakers for voting against him.
On Wednesday, the five-month-old government of Shurhozelie Liezietsu was dismissed after he failed to show up for a trust vote ordered by Governor PM Acharya. Confronting a massive rebellion, Mr Liezietsu had tried to stop the vote but his petition was rejected by a court. On Wednesday, he and his supporters were a no-show in the floor test and didn't even respond to calls.
A dramatic power shift was set in motion when 43 Naga People's Front lawmakers led by Mr Zeliang met the governor and asked him to dismiss Mr Liezietsu saying he no longer had the support of a majority of legislators. The rebels were then taken to a resort in Assam's Kaziranga as Mr Zeliang guarded his flock.
Mr Liezietsu upset many legislators last month when he appointed his son as his adviser and gave him cabinet rank and pay.
Earlier this week, the BJP came out in support of Mr Zeliang and also submitted its letter of support to the governor.
Mr Zeliang had quit as Chief Minister after large scale protests by tribal groups who were opposed to his move to hold civic polls with 33 per cent reservation for women.
In many ways, the Nagaland situation mirrors that of Arunachal Pradesh, where a long period of political turbulence ended with a rebel leader of the ruling party joining the BJP, taking most lawmakers with him.
Mr Zeliang won 47 of 59 votes in the assembly.
The ruling Naga People's Front is now deeply divided. One section is preparing to petition in court against today's floor test, those supporting Mr Zeliang are debating suspending 11 lawmakers for voting against him.
A dramatic power shift was set in motion when 43 Naga People's Front lawmakers led by Mr Zeliang met the governor and asked him to dismiss Mr Liezietsu saying he no longer had the support of a majority of legislators. The rebels were then taken to a resort in Assam's Kaziranga as Mr Zeliang guarded his flock.
Advertisement
Earlier this week, the BJP came out in support of Mr Zeliang and also submitted its letter of support to the governor.
Advertisement
In many ways, the Nagaland situation mirrors that of Arunachal Pradesh, where a long period of political turbulence ended with a rebel leader of the ruling party joining the BJP, taking most lawmakers with him.
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Sharad Pawar's Party Declares Support To Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphu Rio Meghalaya, Nagaland Oath Today, PM To Attend Event 2023 Nagaland Assembly Election: 5 Points On Ex Chief Minister TR Zeliang Parents Gave Names Of Interns, Doctors To CBI In Kolkata Horror: Sources How Extreme Weather Is Leading To Rise In Child Marriages In Pakistan Who Is Jasveen Sangha, "Ketamine Queen" Charged With Matthew Perry's Death Blinken Heading To Israel To Press Gaza Truce 'INDIA' Is with You Against "Injustice": Rahul Gandhi To Arvind Kejriwal "Strong Indications" Bangladesh Security Forces Used "Unnecessary" Force: UN Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.