Nagaland Governor dismisses Liezietsu govt; TR Zeliang appointed new CM, asked to prove majority by July 22

PTI photo

Kohima: In a significant political development, Nagaland Governor PB Acharya on Wednesday dismissed the Shurhozelie Liezietsu government after he failed to turn up for a floor test and appointed TR Zeliang as the new Chief Minister of the state. 

Zeliang has been invited to be sworn-in as the Chief Minister at 3:00 pm today.

As per ANI, the Governor has also asked him to prove his majority on the floor test of the Nagaland legislative assembly on or before July 22. 

"Zeliang will be sworn in as Nagaland CM at 3:00 pm today," PTI quoted Raj Bhavan sources as saying. 

The development took place after Nagaland CM Liezietsu didn't turn up for floor test, which was scheduled to take place today following which the assembly was adjourned sine die. 

Liezietsu was supposed to prove his majority in the state Assembly after the Gauhati High Court on Tuesday dismissed the Nagaland CM's plea to stay Governor PB Acharya's directive for a floor test.

Governor Acharya had directed the legislative Assembly Speaker to summon an emergency special session for the floor test.

Liezietsu, who is facing rebellion by 43 Naga Peoples Front MLAs led by TR Zeliang demanding a change of leadership in the present house of 59, had filed the petition on July 14 seeking a stay on the governor's directive.

The Naga Political Front, led by Lieziestsu, summoned an emergency meeting at which they decided to ask President Pranab Mukherjee to recall Acharya immediately so that the "sanctity of the gubernatorial Office in the State is maintained in future".

While issuing a whip to all its 47 legislators to vote in favour, the NPF, which is also a constituent of the ruling National Democratic Alliance at the Centre and in Manipur, decided to sever ties with the BJP, with which it has been associated for decades.

The 60-member Assembly also has four Bharatiya Janata Party members and eight Independents, while one seat is vacant.

The rebellion Liezietsu erupted as some leaders accused him of "nepotism" by appointing his son as his advisor with cabinet status and pay.

Liezietsu was sworn in as Chief Minister on February 22 after Zeliang resigned following violent protests by tribal groups, opposing his move to hold civic polls with 33 per cent reservation for women.