TR Zeliang (File Photo)
Rio to campaign for NPF in Manipur polls
Our Correspondent
Kohima | February 8
In a new political development in Nagaland, the Naga People’s Front (NPF) Legislature Party leader TR Zeliang has been elected as Chairperson of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
A decision to this effect was taken at the Joint Parliamentary Meeting of the opposition-less UDA here today at Chief Minister's Residential Complex, State Banquet Hall. The UDA comprises of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the NPF and independent candidates.
The meeting also decided that an NPF legislator will be inducted as cabinet minister in the opposition less UDA ministry. The seat had remained vacant since the demise of CM Chang, who was serving as the Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Justice and Law, in October 2020.
While no names were officially dropped in this connection, speculations were rife that the sitting MLA for 42 Wakching Assembly Constituency YM Yollow Konyak would be given the seat. However, the same could not be confirmed as calls to the NPF MLAs and senior officials were left unanswered at the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, the swearing-in ceremony has been scheduled for 9:00 am, February 9 at Dr Imkongliba Ao Hall, Raj Bhavan, Kohima.
Interacting with media persons after the meeting, Parliamentary Affairs, Planning & Coordination and Land Revenue Minister Neiba Kronu informed that the meeting also decided that Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio will be campaigning for NPF candidates in the forthcoming Manipur state assembly elections.
For the Manipur polls which will take place in two phases on February 27 and March 3, the NPF has given tickets to 10 candidates including four sitting Members of Manipur Legislative Assembly – Leishiyo Keishing for 43 Phungyar AC (ST), Khashim Vashum for 45 Chingai AC (ST), Losü Dikho for 48 Mao AC(ST), and Awangbow Newmai for 52 Tamei AC(ST).
The six other candidates are Langhu Paulhring Anal for 41 Chandel AC (ST), Dangsawa Korungthang Maring for 42 Tengnoupal AC (ST), Ram Muivah for 44 Ukhrul AC (ST), Khoho Süle Antony for 47 Karong AC (ST), Francis Ngajokpa for 49 Tadubi AC(ST), Khangthuanang Panmei for 53 Tamenglong AC (ST). The votes for the 60-member assembly will be counted on March 10.
