Nagaland Governor PB Acharya appoints T.R. Zeliang as new CM

On July 19, 2017, Nagaland Governor PB Acharya dismissed the five-month-old government of Shurhozelie Liezietsu, and appointed Naga People’s Front (NPF) legislator, TR Zeliang as 19th Cheif Minister of Nagaland.

Background Information:

A rebellion within the ruling coalition led by Shurhozelie Liezietsu erupted when a section of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) accused Liezietsu of indulging in nepotism by appointing his son Khriehu Liezietsu as his advisor with cabinet status.

• In wake of the rebellion, Governor Acharya had issued directives to Liezietsu on July 11, 2017 and July 13, 2017 to seek a vote of confidence on or before July 15, 2017. As a response to this, Liezietsu had petitioned the court to stall it.
• On July 18, 2017, Liezietsu’s petition was rejected by the Gauhati High Court, and thereafter Governor PB Acharya immediately directed Nagaland Assembly Speaker Imtiwapang Aieyer to summon an emergent special session of the assembly on July 19, 2017 for Chief Minister Shurhozelie Liezietsu, to seek confidence vote.
• On July 19, 2017, the motion to prove the majority of the chief minister could not be taken up as Shurhozelie Liezietsu was not present and the House was adjourned sine die.
• Thus Governor Acharya dismissed Chief Minister Shurhozelie Liezietsu’s government under Clause (I) of Article 164 of the Constitution after receiving a letter from Assembly Speaker Imtiwapang Aier on Liezietsu’s failure to prove his majority on the floor of the Assembly.

Appointment of T.R.Zeilang as new Chief Minister of Nagaland:

R. Zeliang, who had staked claim to form a new government, was present in the House on July 19, 2017 with his supporters — 35 NPF legislators, four BJP legislators and seven Independent members. It is to be noted that Nagaland has a 60-member Assembly.

• On Governor’s invitation to form new government, Mr Zeliang took oath as new Chief Minister of Nagaland on July 19, 2017.
• Zeilang has been directed to prove majority on the floor of the House on or before July 22, 2017.
• This is the second time 65-year-old Zeliang will be the chief minister after he resigned in February 2017, following violent protest by tribal groups opposed to his move to hold civic polls with 33% seats reserved for women.