2 NPF MLAs, 6 Independents resign from Nagaland Assembly

Ahead of the Assembly elections, the ruling Naga Peoples Front (NPF) suffered a setback with two of its MLAs, including a minister, resigning from the House.

Along with them six Independent MLAs gave up their membership.

Nagaland Speaker Imtiwapang Aier accepted the resignations and declared the respective seats vacant, a notification issued by N Benjamin Newmai, Nagaland Commissioner and Secretary, said on Monday night.

NPF Minister for Roads and Bridges, G Kaito Aye - now, joined the JD(U)- and MLA Neiphrezo Keditsu were among those who quit.

Following the spate of resignations, the strength of the 60-member Nagaland House has been reduced to 35.  The House is presently left with 30 NPF MLAs, four BJP legislators and one Independent MLA.

JD(U), which was part of the ruling Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) with NPF and the BJP, has walked out of the coalition and is contesting the Assembly poll on its own.

JD(U) has so far declared 11 candidates for the ensuing polls.

BJP has also left DAN to join hands with the newly formed National Democratic Political Party (NDPP).

Neiphrezo Keditsu, a first timer had won the Northern Angami-II bye-elections in 2014 following the then Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio going to the Lok Sabha. Neiphrezo is the son-in-law of Neiphiu Rio.

Returning to state politics as the chief ministerial candidate of the newly-floated Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), Rio is contesting from the same constituency this time.

Neiphrezo resigned to pave way for Neiphiu Rio.

The six Independent MLAs who resigned are Y M Yolow, Toyang Changkong Chang, Picto, S Chuba Longkumar, Levi Rengma and Amenba Yaden.

Except for Levi Rengma, the Parliamentary Secretary for PWD (Housing), the rest five have joined the NPF and have been given party ticket to contest this elections.

The NPF had on Monday declared 58 candidates, including Chief Minister T R Zeliang, for the 60 seats.

NPF President Dr Shurhozelie, who is also an MLA, has declared not to contest the elections but is resending his son Khriehu Liezietsu for the Northern Angami-I seat.

Khriehu was first elected in 2013 but resigned in May 24 last year paving way for his father Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu to get elected as a member of the Assembly.

Nagaland Assembly election is scheduled for February 27. Result will be out on March 3 along with Tripura and Meghalaya.