TR Zeliang to spearhead DAN govt

(L-R) Chotisuh Sazo, Kuzholuzo Nienu, TR Zeliang, Neiphiu Rio and Dr Shürhozelie Liezietsu during the formal declaration of the new leader for the NPF Legislature Party in Kohima on May 17. (Morung Photo)

Chizokho Vero
Kohima | May 17

Nagaland Minister for Planning & Coordination, Evaluation, Geology & Mining, TR Zeliang has been formally and unanimously elected as the new NPF Legislature Party leader. He will spearhead the NPF led DAN-III government in Nagaland after Neiphiu Rio, the present Chief Minister, demits office.

This was unanimously resolved during the NPF Legislature Party meeting and the joint meeting of DAN-III Legislature Party, comprising of the NPF, BJP, NCP and JD (U), along with the Independent MLAs supporting DAN. The meetings were held at State Banquet Hall, Kohima on Saturday.

The resolution of the DAN-III Legislature Party and Independent MLAs joint meeting was signed by DAN Coordination Committee Chairman, Dr. Shürhozelie while Minister for R&B and Parliamentary Affairs, Kuzholuzo Nienu signed a resolution of the NPF Legislature Party meeting.

Earlier, TR Zeliang’s name was proposed by Kejung Chang, Parliamentary Secretary for Jail, HG, VGs and DB/GBs while Forest Minister Y. Patton seconded the proposal.  The programme was presided over by Minister Kuzholuzo Nienu.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio congratulated TR Zeliang and said that the NPF led DAN has achieved a lot but that it still has a long way to go. Extending his best wishes to Zeliang, Rio said that there had been a communication gap and expression of different opinions during the transitional period. However, he stated that misunderstandings have now died down.

“To run the government for the third and fourth time will not be easy. It will be possible only when the party remains united” Rio said and urged upon the new leadership to give priority to the backward regions.

Zeliang accepted the party’s decision and stated “I accept with all humility and I will try my level best to fulfill expectation in leading the Naga people to peace and prosperity in line with the manifesto of the party.” He appealed to the legislators to extend unwavering cooperation and support.

In his acceptance speech, Zeliang congratulated Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for his landslide victory in the Nagaland State Lok Sabha election. He thanked the Party President, the Chief Minister and all legislator colleagues for enabling and ensuring smooth transition of leadership in the DAN Legislatures Party.

Referring to Rio’s leadership, TR Zeliang said, “His charismatic nature has instilled an admirable and inspirational sense before the people.” Stating that Rio has enabled the NPF party to become a household name, Zeliang asserted that his contributions to the party, which will have a place now in the national arena, can never be erased.

“I would like to wholeheartedly assure you of my personal and of the state’s government support to all your ventures in central politics for the benefit of the Naga people in particular and the country as a whole. We would carry forward the legacy and vision that you have left to us for the progress of our people,” he added.

Zeliang also acknowledged “the magnanimous gesture” of his colleague Minister for PHE, Noke Wangnao, who Zeliang said, “tirelessly and steadfastly remains in the regional party and has strived for the upliftment of backward region.”

“Noke Wangnao, as a person I know, belongs to the generation of leaders who silently work, but strongly deliver. We are all indebted to him for his broad mindedness and warm hearted approach in resolving this dilemma,” he said.

Zeliang further lamented that there has been speculation that division/dissidents have been created in course of the transitional period of leadership in the NPF led DAN government. He asserted that a constructive attitude is required at this juncture to further unite and strengthen the party and government.