TR Zeliang was sworn in as the 19th chief minister of Nagaland on Wednesday, hours after Governor PB Acharya dismissed the Shurhozelie Liezietsu government after he failed to prove his majority in the Assembly.
Governor Acharya administered the oath of office and secrecy to 65-year-old Zeliang in a ceremony at the Raj Bhavan in Kohima.
Zeliang will have to prove his majority on the floor of the House on or before July 22.
The newly-inducted chief minister will announce the list of his council of ministers after the floor test.
Acharya dismissed the government under Clause (I) of Article 164 of the Constitution after receiving a letter from Assembly Speaker Imtiwapang Aier on Liezietsu’s failure to prove his majority on the floor of the Assembly.
“According to a report from the Speaker, Liezietsu did not attend the Assembly session convened today at 9.30 a.m. for the purpose of testing majority of the cabinet led by (him),” Acharya said in his order dismissing the Liezietsu government.
“Forty-eight legislators (including Speaker) attended the session. Therefore, it is clear that Liezietsu has failed to obtain the vote of confidence despite repeated opportunities given for the same,” the governor said.
Zeliang, who had staked claim to form a new government, was present in the House with his supporters — 35 NPF legislators, four BJP legislators and seven Independent members.
Speaker Aier, who adjourned the House sine die, said the motion to prove the majority of the Chief Minister could not be taken up as he was not present. (Agencies)