IMPHAL: The president of Naga Peoples’ Front (NPF) Shurhozelie Liezietsu assumed the charge of Nagaland Chief Minister on Wednesday.
He was administered the Oath of Office and Secrecy by Governor P B Acharya at a function in the Raj Bhavan in Kohima. He is the State’s 11th person to don the mantle of chief minister and 17th overall.
Eleven ministers were sworn in alongside Liezietsu. They were Kiyanilie Peseyie, Yanthungo Patton, P Longon, C Kipili Sangtam, C L John, Yitachu, Paiwang Konyak, Vikheho Swu, Chotisu Sazo, Imkong L Imchen and G Kaito Aye. Twenty-six parliamentary secretaries and six advisors were also appointed.
The 81-year-old Liezietsu, who is a scholar and a founder member of NPF, will head the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government with BJP as its constituent. Eight Independent MLAs are also extending their support to the DAN.
Liezietsu will have to seek re-election within six months. He had won the 2003 and 2008 elections but in 2013, he decided against contesting and made way for his son Khriehu who went on to win the election. There is a possibility that the 51-year-old Khriehu will resign to facilitate his father’s re-election.
On Monday, Liezietsu’s predecessor T R Zeliang had stepped down in the face of protests against him after his government had gone ahead with civic elections with 33 per cent reservation of seats for women despite statewide opposition to it.
After the DAN MLAs had unanimously elected Liezietsu as the Chief Minister on Monday, the protesting tribal organisations withdrew their indefinite statewide bandh from Tuesday.