New Nagaland CM proves majority in floor test

Guwahati: Nagaland Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang on Friday proved his majority in the Assembly, two days after he replaced Shurhozelie Liezietsu.

In a 59-member House, Mr Zeliang was supported by 47 MLAs, including four from the BJP. However, 11 MLAs of his party, Naga People’s Front (NPF), voted against the motion.

Mr Zeliang, who was forced out of office in February following protests over holding of urban local bodies election with 33 per cent reservation for women, had staked claim earlier this month to form the government.

Following Mr Zeliang’s claim to have the support of a majority of the MLAs, Mr Liezietsu, who is also from the NPF, was asked by governor P.B. Acharya to face a floor test by July 15. Mr Zeliang was sworn in as Nagaland’s 19th CM on Wednesday, hours after Mr Acharya dismissed Mr Liezietsu.