Hunt for Rio's replacement as Nagaland CM begins
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

Dimapur, February 22 2014 : With the name of Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio cleared as a consensus candidate of Naga People's Front (NPF), BJP and JD-U or Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) for the forthcoming Lok Sabha poll, two names have been cropped up to succeed Rio as the chief minister of Nagaland.

Well placed sources confided to Newmai News Network today in Dimapur that names of senior cabinet minister TR Zeliang and Home minister Kaito have been doing the round in the circle of the NPF top turks.

Earlier, there were reports that Neiphiu Rio had requested the MLAs from Eastern Nagaland or ENPO region (districts of Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire and Longleng) to elect one from among them.

However, the ENPO MLAs had reportedly said they were not interested in the post.

Rio's name was declared as the consensus candidate yesterday in Kohima by the DAN alliance (NPF, BJP and JD-U) to contest in the lone Lok Sabha seat of Nagaland.

With this development, hectic lobbies are said to be underway among the NPF leaders.

Planning minister and former Rajya Sabha member TR Zeliang is said to be lobbying for the top post.

However, a source said TR Zeliang has few backers from among the NPF legislators.

Though Home minister Kaito is not intending to throw himself into the race for the top post, there are legislators pushing to garner supports for him.

There have also been reports that NPF president Shurhozelie was approached to take charge of the top post but the former declined the offer.

There are also speculatiuons doing the round among the media persons that Rio personally favours TR Zeliang but Nagaland political situation has been the reason for the incumbent chief minister to shift his focus on the ENPO region.

ENPO was very vocal until last year to have 'Nagaland Frontier,' a separate state to be made by carving out of Nagaland.

ENPO's reason for the separate state has been that the region is neglected by Nagaland government for decades.

The Neiphiu Rio government has made several appeasement packages but the ENPO is not happy with the Nagaland government's baits so far.

Will the Naga People's Front (NPF) be able to remain in flock in the event of chief minister Neiphiu Rio going to Parliament remains a million dollar question.

The charisma and towering figure of Neiphiu Rio has been the main reasons for the NPF to sail this far.

If NPF is to remain a close-knit party, someone like Rio should mount to the saddle.

Comment