Team Rio faces first hurdle

Portfolio allocation incomplete amidst hectic lobbying and wrangling
 

Morung Express News
Kohima | March 2

After a landslide victory in the recently concluded State Assembly Election, there appears to be dissension in the Naga People’s Front (NPF) camp over sharing the spoils of war.

The regional party which won 38 seats in the 60 member assembly is having a challenging time in allocation of portfolios for 12 Cabinet Ministers. Amidst hectic lobbying and wrangling, the NPF party on Friday night reportedly finalised the list of cabinet ministers to lead the third DAN government in Nagaland. But the list, it was learnt, has been recalled following protests from some senior NPF ministers and candidates.

The impasse has not been made easier as none of the senior legislators in the present government are willing to accept the offer of the post of Assembly Speaker, a respectable but not lucrative post. The party is trying its best to patch differences and finalise the list of Cabinet Ministers so that the oath taking ceremony for the next government can be done latest by March 5.

However, it is not smooth sailing as the party has to take into consideration factors like district-wise performance of the party in the election, tribe and district representation in allocation of cabinet berths.

Apart from Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio who is the “undisputed leader,” and certain to retain the Chief Minister post, others likely to be inducted into the cabinet include Planning Minister TR Zeliang, Health & Family Welfare Minister Kuzholuzo ((Azo) Nienu, Roads & Bridges Minister G Kaito Aye, NLA Speaker Kiyanelie Peseyie, Soil & Water Conservation Minister P. Longon, Parliamentary Secretaries Yitachu, Y Patton, Torechu and S. Pangnyu Phom and former Ministers Noke Konyak and Pukhayi.

The fate of Home Minister Imkong L Imchen who was involved in the recent seizure of arms and cash hangs in suspension.

If reports about the list of cabinet fall in place, then three cabinet ministers in the present government excluding the Chief Minister would continue to enjoy cabinet rank with new portfolios. At least four present Parliamentary Secretaries are likely to be elevated as Ministers while two former Ministers would make a comeback in the Cabinet. 

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio is likely to retain the finance portfolio which he held since K. Therie’s dismissal in 2003 DAN ministry. According to unconfirmed reports, T R Zeliang is tipped to be Home Minister, Azo as Roads & Bridges Minister, while Urban Development and Health & Family Welfare portfolios may go to Kiyanelie Peseyie and Kaito Aye respectively.

Names of other leaders and legislators in the present ministry like Parliamentary Secretary (Youth Resources & Sports) Naiba Konyak, Chairman Music Task Force Dr. Nicky Kire, MARCOFED Chairman CL John and faces like Dr. Benjong are also doing the rounds.

DAN’s partners BJP and JD (U) which elected one candidate each are also likely to figure in the ministry in form of Parliamentary Secretaries. Seven Independent candidates who have also pledge “unconditional support” to DAN may not get any post as Parliamentary Secretary or other portfolios for the moment. It is also learnt that the number of Parliamentary Secretary will be increased from present 12 to 18 or 20.

Since announcement of poll results on February 28 last, hordes of party workers and supporters of winning NPF candidates from all districts have been thronging the state capital to lobby and bargain for their respective candidates.

Talking to a section of media, NPF party workers and supporters of 1 Dimapur-I A/C candidate Tovihoto Ayemi, felt that the young entrant should be rewarded with cabinet rank for defeating former Chief Minister and Congress veteran, KL Chishi by a margin of 1838.

Meanwhile, in a meeting held at CM’s official residence Saturday afternoon, senior legislators and central NPF office bearers have reposed full confidence on the Chief Minister and given him full freedom to decide on portfolio allocation, NPF sources said.

Meanwhile, reliable sources disclosed that the first budget session of the 12th Legislative Assembly is scheduled from March14-19.