Kohima, March 7 (MTNews): Neiphiu Rio was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Nagaland for the fifth consecutive time on Tuesday. The 72-year-old Rio along with his Deputy Chief Ministers and Cabinet Ministers were administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor of Nagaland, La Ganesan at the Capital Cultural Hall, Kohima.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP national president JP Nadda , Assam Chief Minister and NEDA convener Himanta Biswa Sarma, a host of dignitaries, officials from various political parties, and the general public were among those present at the swearing-in ceremony.
For the first time in Nagaland, two Deputy Chief Ministers were sworn-in today – TR Zeliang of the NDPP and Yanthungo Patton of the BJP. In another first for the state, Salhoutuonuo Kruse of NDPP became the first Naga woman to be inducted as Minister in the history of Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
The newly sworn-in Cabinet Ministers were G Kaito Aye, Jacob Zhimomi, KG Kenye, P Paiwang Konyak, Metsubo Jamir, Temjen Imna Along, CL John, Salhoutuonuo Kruse, and Bashangmongba Chang.
During the oath taking program, the national anthem was rendered by the Music Academy, Kohima (TAFMA), and the Police Band. The invocation was pronounced by Temjenmongba Sempo, Pastor, Kohima Ao Baptist Church.
Speaking to the media after the swearing-in ceremony lunch held at Raj Bhavan, Rio said the two Deputy Chief Ministers have been appointed as per the requirement of the alliance parties.
He said induction of one lady MLA into the Cabinet is to fulfill the alliance’s commitment.
It may be mentioned that seven legislators from the NDPP and five from BJP secured cabinet berths.
The Chief Minister also informed that portfolios of the new government will be allocated in a day or two.
On the question of the likelihood of an opposition-less government, Rio said he cannot refuse when other parties extend support to the government and that it may be in the best interest for the people of the state.
He, however, said his government being an alliance between NDPP and BJP, the decision to accommodate other parties will be made after due consultations.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister after attending the ceremony left for Guwahati via Dimapur. He later took to Twitter to convey his best wishes to the new government.
After announcing that he joined the oath taking ceremony of Neiphiu Rio and his Council of Ministers, Modi tweeted, “I am confident that this team, which is a blend of youth and experience, will continue the good governance trajectory of Nagaland and fulfill people’s aspirations. My best wishes to them.”
