Rio govt crosses first hurdle, wins floor test. Vikho-O Yhoshu of the NDPP is new Speaker

March 13, 2018 739 Views No Comment

Naga Republic News

The newly formed Peoples Democratic Alliance (PDA) government led by Neiphiu Rio did not face any trouble in winning the floor test in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) on March 13 as 33 votes were cast in favour of the confidence motion and 26 against it. Barring the newly elected Speaker, Vikho-O Yhoshu of the NDPP, all 59 legislators signed a register to cast their vote for the motion.

For the Rio government, the crucial numbers played out according to plan as the government not only won the floor test but the ruling alliance candidate for the post of Speaker was also elected.

Of the 33 MLAs that voted in favour of the Rio government, 17 were NDPP members, 12 were of the BJP, two of the NPP, one was a JD (U) MLA and another was an Independent legislator.

The legislators, who met for the first time since the formation of the new government, elected Vikho-O Yhoshu of the NDPP as the new Speaker. Yhoshu had served as an MLA for three terms in the past. He represents the Southern Angami-I constituency.

Rio had staked claim to form government with the support of 34 legislators on March 4, a day after the results were announced. The Chief Minister, along with 10 other Ministers, were administered the oath of office by Governor P.B. Acharya on March 8.

Acharya had asked the newly-elected chief minister to prove his majority on the floor of the House by March 16.

Earlier in the day the first session of thirteenth Nagaland Legislative Assembly was held. All the elected members made the Oath of Affirmation before the Speaker pro-tem, Mmhonlumo Kikon and took their seats in the 13th NLA.

Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, congratulating Vikho-o Yhoshu on being elected as the Speaker of 13th NLA, said we are fortunate to have a refined and friendly gentleman with pleasant nature and strong integrity.

Stating that Yhoshu has vast experience in government and public services, the CM expressed that his guidance will be very valuable to all with his wide experience and knowledge.

“I urge upon all members cutting across party line to extend cooperation, this house will not leave any stone unturned to meet the expectation of the people of Nagaland and ensure cordial atmosphere of smooth functioning of this house”, the Chief Minister said.

Vikho-o Yhoshu have been elected for three consecutive terms i.e. 2008, 2013 and 2018.

Leader of NPF, T.R Zeliang, meanwhile, congratulated the Speaker on being elected to the post. The role of the speaker is to maintain absolute neutrality and impartiality, and uphold the dignity and decorum of the house, he said while expressing his confidence in the Speaker to live up to the expectation for members of the house.

“In a democracy, majority prevails and therefore the Speaker should strictly ensure that laws and the procedures are not violated”, he added. He assured full cooperation from the opposition as long as “impartiality in dispensing just decisions” was maintained.

Speaker elect, Vikho-o Yhoshu in his speech assured the members to be fair, unbiased and judicious cutting aside party lines. He called on the members to shoulder the responsibility and confidence that people have reposed on them to shape their destiny. He appealed for cooperation to ensure effective discharge of their assigned duties. Thanking the members for the confidence reposed on him, he assured to give his best to live up to their expectation.

With inputs from DIPR