Rio stakes claim to form govt
Source: The Sangai Express / PTI & Newmai News network
Kohima/Dimapur, March 02 2013 :
Nagaland Chief Minister and Leader of the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) Neiphiu Rio today met Governor Nikhil Kumar and staked claim to form the government.
Rio, who led the Naga Peoples Front back to victory for a third consecutive time, submitted a letter to the Governor stating that he has been elected as the leader of the Naga Peoples Front Legislature Party (NPFLP) and of DAN Legislature Party yesterday, official sources said.
The NPF has 38 MLAs in the 60-member assembly with an effective strength of 59.The BJP and the JD(U), who are also part of the DAN, have one MLA each in the new 12th Nagaland assembly.
Rio also informed the Governor that seven Independent MLAs have given letters of unconditional support to the DAN government.
Rio also wrote to the Governor recommending dissolution of the existing House and submitted the resignation of his council of ministers.
In the last assembly, the NPF had 26 MLAs and DAN had the support of 35 legislators.
The Congress which had 18 MLAs last time could win only eight seats this time.
Meanwhile, all the seven newly elected Independent MLAs in Nagaland have extended 'unconditional support' to the Neiphiu Rio led ministry today.
With this, the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) now command 47 legislators with one each from BJP and JD(U) .
Abu Metha, the media advisor of Neiphiu Rio disclosed to Newmai News Network this evening that the Chief Minister has requested the Governor to invite him to form the DAN-III Government once the constitutional formalities are completed.
On the otherhand, all ranks and files of NPF extended their sincere appreciation and gratefulness to the electorate of Nagaland and all sections of the people for reposing their faith in the NPF and giving the party a landslide mandate in the 2013 general elections to the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
"The victory of the NPF is a victory of the people's voice and it is a vote for peace, development and stability.
The electorate is the highest court of democracy and the people have given their verdict in favour of the NPF and its undisputed leader Neiphiu Rio.
While being thankful to all sections of the people, the NPF accepts this overwhelming victory with humility and gratefulness.
We extend our appreciation to all citizens of the State including the Church, civil societies, mass based organisations, NGOs and individuals who have extended support and co-operation in the most positive manner.
The fresh mandate will motivate the NPF led DAN to work with renewed vigour and enthusiasm in the commitment to serve the people.
The NPF reiterates its commitment to work tirelessly in our common goal of bringing accelerated development and economic growth in Nagaland," the NPF said in a press communique today.
"As mentioned in the NPF manifesto, the Naga political issue is at the top of the NPF agenda and the NPF will continue to play the role of active facilitator in the peace process in order to realise a negotiated solution that is honourable and acceptable to the people.
Now that elections are over, the NPF appeals to all sections of the people to come together under a spirit of unity and brotherhood to work collectively for peace and progress in the greater interest of Naga society," the NPF assured.
The NPF congratulates the election department, administration and police and all agencies who have contributed towards successful conduct of the most peaceful elections in the state so far.
The NPF also congratulates the Church for the clean election campaign and the youth who have made positive contributions through social networking platforms and various media portals.
The NPF once again thanks the people of Nagaland and reaffirms its commitment to the cause of the Naga.
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