TR Zeliang elected as UDA chairman; Yollow Konyak gets cabinet berth

February 9, 2022 54 Views No Comment

February 9, 2022
Correspondent

In order to further strengthen the all-party United Democratic Alliance (UDA) government comprising of the NDPP, BJP, NPF and Independent, former chief minister and NPF Legislature Party leader TR Zeliang was elected as the chairman of the UDA on Tuesday.

Further, putting all speculations to rest, it was also decided to induct one NPF legislator– (Wakching constituency)YM Yollow Konyak into the council of ministers. The post fell vacant following the demise of senior NDPP member and minister CM Chang.

When contacted, NPF sources said that TR Zeliang was unanimously elected as UDA chairman. Sources said that Zeliang’s name was proposed by NDPP member and minister G. Katio Aye and seconded by minister Tongpang Ozukum (Independent). The members present unanimously agreed to the decision by raising hands, sources added.

The decision followed a joint parliamentary meeting of UDA constituents held at CM’s residential complex in Kohima on Tuesday.

NPF sources also informed that YM Yollow Konyak will be inducted as a cabinet minister.

When contacted, Yollow confirmed about the development and said that he had received the appointment order from Raj Bhavan. The swearing-in ceremony would be held at Dr. Imkongliba Hall, Raj Bhavan on Wednesday where governor Prof Jagdish Mukhi would administer the oath.

Speaking to media persons after the joint UDA consultative meeting held at State Banquet Hall here on Tuesday, parliamentary affairs minister Neiba Kronu said one cabinet berth would be given to NPF. He declined to respond when asked who would be inducted and remarked that it was the prerogative of the chief minister, adding that the cabinet post that was laying vacant would thus be filled up.

Further, as already reported by Nagaland Post, Kronu informed the media that the chief minister would campaign in Manipur for NPF candidates in mid-February. Manipur is scheduled to go for Assembly polls from February 27-March 5. NPF has fielded 10 candidates in the election.

Meanwhile, responding to a media query, BJP legislator and adviser Mmhonlumo Kikon said that UDA was not a newly-formed government and that the decision to elect Zeliang as chairman was joint a decision where BJP legislators were also present. Therefore, he clarified the question “whether BJP was comfortable with the decision” did not arise.

Source: http://www.nagalandpost.com/?p=250145