Nagaland political crisis: Chief Minister Shurhozelie Liezietsu says no split in NPF despite tensions

Kohima: Nagaland Chief Minister Shurhozelie Liezietsu on Tuesday claimed that there was no split in the ruling Nagaland People’s Front (NPF) despite the leadership crisis. Interacting with media-persons after coming out of the returning officer’s chamber after filing papers for the 29 July byelection to northern Angami seat, Liezietsu claimed that there would be no split in NPF and expressed confidence that MLAs camping in Kaziranga will come back soon. [caption id=“attachment_3798611” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  File image of Shurhozelie Liezetsu. NPF[/caption] On the dissident group accusation of him being too ambitious and greedy for power to contest the by-election, he said it was not about he being ambitious but it was for the sake of the government and party leaders. He also informed that his son Khriehu Liezietsu, who rejected the appointment as chief minister’s advisor for music task force would be a standby candidate. Rajya Sabha MP KG Kenye, Nagaland cabinet ministers CL John, P Longon and Yitachu, advisor Thongwang Konyak and NPF central executive council member accompanied Liezietsu when the went to file the nomination paper. Nagaland governor PB Acharya on Tuesday directed Liezietsu to seek a vote of confidence on the floor of the assembly on or before 15 July. The governor’s directive came after former chief minister TR Zeliang staked claim to form a new government claiming that he has the support of 41 out of 59 MLAs in the Assembly. Zeliang had on Sunday written to the governor PB Acharya for an invitation to form the new NPF-led DAN government at the earliest. The last date for filing of nomination for the Northern Angami seat is tomorrow. Scrutiny of nomination will be done the next day and the last date of withdrawal of candidature is July 15. Polling will be held across 25 polling stations from 7 am to 4 pm on 29 July while counting of votes will be done on 3 August.