Political crisis in Nagaland, 40 MLAs of ruling coalition shift base to Assam

GUWAHATI: In a full-blown political crisis in Nagaland, around 40 MLAs of Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) have shifted camp in a resort in neighbouring Assam.

Political turmoil was triggered by the opposition's protest over 33 per cent reservation for women in urban local bodies (ULBs). The issue has caused discomfort to Chief Minister T. R Zeliang. Nagaland Tribes Action Committee (NTAC), which is spearheading movement against 33 per cent reservation, is insisting on the resignation of Zeliang.

To break the stalemate, as government offices are non-functional since January 28, MLAs of DAN coalition had backed Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, president of Naga People's Front (NPF), for the chief minister ship.


However, in sudden change former Chief Minister and Lok Sabha MP from Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio has entered the scene and around 40 MLAS are now backing Rio for the chief minister ship.

Zeliang had taken over as chief minister from Neiphiu Rio. Rio had entered national politics in 2014 by winning the Lok Sabha seat. Rio was later expelled from NPF.