Rio on his tryst with destiny

At the impressive swearing-in function held at the Capital Cultural Hall at Kohima on March 7, 2023, Neiphiu Rio created history by becoming the chief minister for the fifth consecutive term and also the longest to occupy the chair among all previous chief ministers of the state. Till March 7, 2023 when he was sworn-in for the fifth consecutive term Rio was in office for a total of 5851 days from March 6,2003. He beat the record of his senior predecessor Dr.S.C.Jamir of the Congress who had been sworn-in 1980,1982-86;1989-90;1993-98 and 1998-03 for five times and who held office for a total of 5275 days. Rio , unlike Dr Jamir , held office for a continuous period from 2003,2008,2013 to 2018 except for the 69 days when president’s rule was imposed in 2008. During his first term, the state came under president’s rule for 69 days from January 3 to March 12,2008. Rio again led his NPF to another victory in 2008 when his party became the single largest party with 26 seats to the Congress’ 23. Rio again led the NPF to a sweeping victory and won absolute majority with 38 seats while his erstwhile party, the Congress was reduced to single-digit with 8 seats. He was sworn-in on March 5,2013 for the third consecutive term but in May 2014, resigned after being elected to the Lok Sabha seat. In 2018 Rio retuned to state politics and then joined the newly formed Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party(NDPP) which he patronised. He led the nascent NDPP in the 2018 election and the party won 18 seats while NPF won 26. However with pre-poll alliance partner, BJP which won 12, Rio managed win support from other parties and formed the government. The swearing –in on March 7,2023 was also historic for the fact that Salhoutuonuo Kruse(8 Western Angami) became the first woman to be inducted as cabinet minister. She along with Hekhali Jakhalu(3 Dimapur-III) also created history in Nagaland political history by become the first ever women to be elected to the legislative assembly. In addition, the event also witnessed for the first time in state political history the swearing-in of two deputy chief ministers. To add icing to the swearing-in cake, the prime minister Narendra Modi, union home minister Amit Shah, BJP national president J.P.Nadda including NEDA convenor and Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma- graced the occasion with their presence. The new cabinet at its first meeting decided to defer the Urban Local Body elections to May. The new 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly(NLA) will be constituted and members, especially the first timers will have an opportunity to exhibit their oratorical skills. However, it will also be interesting on what will be the priorities of the new government. The Naga political issue is no doubt important but it cannot hold sway to the extent of submerging all other crucial issues and among which is good governance. The chief minister Neiphiu Rio will have , what could be, his last opportunity to put back the state on track and focus on vital infrastructures- road, power, connectivity and spurring economic growth. The fifth consecutive term may be the most critical period for Nagaland and Rio should take it as an opportunity to create an achievement in the socio-economic field.