Nagaland chief minister, T.R. Zeliang on Tuesday completed the formation of his jumbo-sized ministry by inducting nine advisers and 26 parliamentary secretaries. Zeliang administered the oath of office and secrecy to the advisors and parliamentary secretaries at State Banquet Hall.
With this Zeliang has been able to accommodate all the 47 legislators. However, the question lies as to how Zeliang would distribute the portfolios in a jumbo-sized ministry to please all.
Talking to media persons after the swearing-in, the chief minister disclosed that the distribution of portfolios to the council of ministers and others would be done in a day or two.
Considering the fact that there are so many members with less vacancies, the portfolio distribution needs to be worked out properly, he added. He also disclosed that except senior legislators, not all advisors will be given the cabinet status.
On expulsion and suspension of MLAs, Zeliang said action initiated by the party was not according to the NPF constitution. He said none of the MLAs received any show cause notice or warning before being expelled or suspended.
He said as per NPF constitution, the party has to issue show cause notice first and if the reply is not found satisfactory, the Disciplinary Action Committee (DAC) recommends to the party president for initiating disciplinary action.
Zeliang said since the action taken was arbitrary and not according to the NPF constitution, the MLAs have decided to demand resignation of the NPF president, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu. The issue was deliberated during the NPF legislature meeting on July 24, he added.
On the issue of NPF central taking the party whip issue to court, Zeliang said their intention was to get a stay order before the expansion of his ministry. However, the court did not allow it and rather fixed the next hearing for July 31, Zeliang said. Zeliang was optimistic that the petition will be dismissed, saying it does not hold any merit.
When asked whether he would seek to initiate any action against the 10 NPF MLAs who had voted against the whip issued by him during the July 21 floor test, Zeliang said the matter would be discussed during the NPF legislature party meeting.
However, citing the anti defection law, Zeliang said if any member defies the whip it will directly attract disqualification and that if anyone files petition before the speaker, they will also face disqualification. He further noted that as per rule, one can submit a petition only after 15 days.
Meanwhile, on MKR Pillai’s case, T.R. Zeliang said he would pursue the matter since the government had already instituted an Inquiry Commission. With regard to termination of Pillai’s service, which was yet to be made public, Zeliang said he is yet to see the file which has been under process. He said Pillai will not be allowed to continue service until investigation is completed.
Earlier, chief secretary, Pankaj Kumar initiated the oath taking ceremony which was witnessed by cabinet ministers, government officials and party workers.