Nagaland government working normally despite dissent of NPF: Chief Secretary

KOHIMA: Amid the political crisis within the ruling Naga People's Front (NPF) for the past 22 days, Nagaland Chief Secretary CJ Ponraj has said that the issue has not affected the functioning of the bureaucracy.

"The functioning of the state bureaucracy is normal and none of the file is pending because of the internal political crisis of the ruling NPF," Ponraj told media on the sidelines of a function here yesterday.

He said even as 11 ministers and parliamentary secretaries resigned while seven others were sacked by the Chief Minister because of the internal issue, the duties of vacant departments had been taken over by Chief Minister and all files were being accordingly processed through him.

"As bureaucrats we are being governed by certain rules and procedures and therefore we have to follow it," he said.

The internal crisis for change of leadership came to the open on January 5 with 22 NPF legislators rebelling and camping at Sovima in Dimapur district.

While the chief minister divested eight legislators of their portfolios, 11 of the dissident of the group resigned from the posts declaring support to new leader G Kaito Aye.

The dissident group staked claim with the Governor P B Acharya to form the government under the leadership of Kaito while the state cabinet recommended for summoning of special session on Assembly for trial of strength.

However, the Governor is yet to take any decision on both the matters.

Zeliang has been claiming that he has support of 52 DAN legislators in the 60-member Assembly.

DAN comprise of 38 NPF, 4 BJP one each NCP and JD(U) while eight Independent MLAs are also supporting the government.