Octogenarian Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu is set to be the next chief minister of Nagaland following days of protest, intrigue and resort drama. After the incumbent CM TR Zeliang was forced to step down because of the incessant protests across the state, former CM Neiphiu Rio tried to get back to the chair.
Rio even hosted over 40 MLAs in a resort in Kaziranga, who had allegedly pledged their support to him. But ultimately the fact that Rio has been suspended from the ruling Naga People's Front went against him. Once back in Kohima the MLAs voted in favour of the party president Shurhozelie.
Dr. Shurhozelie would now have to seek re-election within six months. He is most likely to contest from his old constituency (10 Northern Angami-I A/C) which is currently being held by his son, Khriehu Liezietsu.
He did not contest in the 2013 State elections and remained the Chairman of the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland with cabinet status while his son Khriehu Liezietsu contested on his ticket was later inducted as parliamentary secretary of Youth Resource and Sports, MTF and State Lottery.
But it won't be an easy job at the top inspite of a comfortable majority.The ruling alliance of the state, Democratic Alliance of Nagaland, which comprises 48 NPF , 4 BJP and 8 independent MLAs, in a house of 60. But will have to be contend with two ex chief ministers breathing down his neck.
Nagaland is in turmoil since January, after the NPF-led government decided to hold local body elections where 33% of the seats were reserved for women. The NTAC is a coalition which has been at the forefront of the protests against the move to introduce 33 per cent reservation for women in the state’s urban local body (ULB) elections, the polls were later declared null and void due to the tribal unrest.
The tribal organisations demanded the resignation of the Chief Minister and branded him as a 'killer' after two persons were allegedly killed in police firing on February 1, to prevent protestors from entering the chief minister’s private residence in Dimapur.
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