Nagaland crisis: Governor likely to take a decision
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Oken Jeet Sandham
Imphal, January 16 2015 :
The governor is well equipped with Constitutional machineries that can solve the present political crisis in Nagaland.
So far, he has not acted upon the crisis as he is expectedly holding series of consultations with constitutional experts before taking any measures but the government cannot be kept in suspense.
Now that the Zeliang Cabinet has recommended for "Motion of Confidence" of his government on January 20, 2015, everyone's eyes are set on the governor.
When Chief Minister TR Zeliang met Governor PB Acharya on January 9 and submitted him a proposal to summon a Special Session of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly for "Trial of Strength" of his government, the picture of the ongoing "political crisis" within the ruling major NPF was clear that it was beyond anyone's control.
The simmering leadership issue within the NPF legislature party has been going ever since Zeliang took over from Neiphiu Rio.
High pitched dissenting voices echoed on the issue but none of them had such impact like the current one - fast engulfing every institution in the state.
Leadership crisis is characteristic of all political establishments.
However, when such crisis takes place, polarization within the party comes to the fore.
There will be unwanted developments and the general public will also be sharply divided.
Because, most of them normally listen to and are loyal to their own respective representatives elected by them.
As soon as the news of the 22 dissident NPF MLAs camping at Sovima to topple Zeliang's leadership became public, Zeliang's boat begun sailing on a stormy journey.
NPF has 38 MLAs in the house of 60.The situation began worsening when NPF president Dr Shurhozelie issued suspension order of 7 dissident NPF legislators, G Kaito Aye, Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, Zhaleo Rio, Pukhayi, Pohwang Konyak, Shetoyi and Tovihoto, from the 22-member dissident group led by Kaito on January 5.Chief Minister Zeliang dropped them from the ministry.
The suspension of 7 dissident NPF lawmakers did not stop the Kaito group from maneuvering new course.
They even reasserted that their move was to replace the leadership in the NPF legislature party and were not against the DAN government.
They have 22 NPF MLAs while 15 NPF MLAs without the Speaker are with Zeliang.
After the suspension of 7 MLAs, Kaito's strength has been reduced to 15 but then subsequent suspension of 2 more NPF dissident MLAs, Noke Wangao and Imong L Imchen on January 10, the strength has been reduced to 13 .
When voting takes place to choose a new legislature party leader, the suspended MLAs will have no voting right except on the Floor of Assembly.
Kaito group called a Special Emergency Meeting of the NPF on January 12 and elected the suspended senior party leaders Noke Wangnao as new president of the party.
Soon after his election, all the suspended orders were revoked.
They even suspended Dr Shurhozelie from the NPF.
Even news reporters and correspondents started using as "NPF led by Noke Wangnao" or "NPF led by Dr Shurhozelie" while filing their news.
The ongoing crisis within the NPF, if not resolved, will lead to constitutional breakdown, though Zeliang has already submitted a proposal to the Governor Acharya on January 9 for summoning a Special Session of Nagaland Legislative Assembly for "Floor Test." Perhaps, the governor's failure to give decisive response to the proposal, the Zeliang government might be compelled to call for a cabinet meeting.
The Zeliang cabinet had its meeting on January 15, 2015 and finally recommended for "Trial of Strength" on January 20, 2015 .
However, Kaito group has questioned the motive behind Zeliang's move for "Floor Test" saying that their move was not to challenge his government but his leadership.
Zeliang, however, explained that the "Trial of Strength" was the only option to solve the current crisis.
The governor is not only the head of the state but also the custodian of the Constitution.
He is well equipped with Constitutional machineries that can solve the present political crisis in Nagaland.
So far, he has not acted upon the crisis as he is expectedly holding series of consultations with constitutional experts before taking any measures but the government cannot be kept in suspense.
Now that the Zeliang Cabinet has recommended for "Motion of Confidence" of his government on January 20, 2015, everyone's eyes are set on the governor.
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