KOHIMA, March 24 (NEPS): After Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio filed his nomination on March 20 as a candidate for the 16th Lok Sabha election, now the ruling Naga People’s Front (NPF) is seen suffering from a leadership vacuum.
Names of senior ministers – Noke Konyak, Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, G Kaito Aye and TR Zeliang—have been doing the rounds as main contenders for the CM’s post for some time now. It is, however, reported that Noke Konyak is not interested in the top job.
Although there has been alleged politicking for some time by the main contenders to the CM’s post in the State, they have not yet gone public with their thoughts on the topic.
When contacted, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and R & B, Azo Neinu, said he is not in the race for the top job because of his “love, concern and unity” of the party (NPF). “If there are too many contenders, the party will probably suffer a split,” he cautioned.
When asked if he would take up the responsibility if given a chance, he replied in a positive manner, stating that he would not shy away from any responsibility, if given a chance to lead the NPF legislature party and DAN. He, however, made it clear that whoever was chosen as consensus by the party to lead the DAN-III, he would give his fullest support to him. “Whoever leads us should be able to provide better, stronger and cleaner government,” he quipped.
On Rio’s going to Delhi as a Nagaland MP, Azo Neinu said, “I hope Rio can perform more effectually as a Nagaland MP in Delhi,” adding, “The people of Nagaland in particular and the Nagas as a whole will benefit from Rio at the Center. Besides, the ongoing peace process to find a solution to the protracted Naga political issue would be expedited.”
