As the new Nagaland Chief Minister, cabinet, parliamentary secretaries and advisors were sworn in on Wednesday, one could notice the absense of some prominent MLAs from the list.
Three previous cabinet ministers who were dropped include Dr. Neikesalie Kire, Nuklutoshi Longkumer and Tokheho Yepthomi. Former Advisor to CM Merentoshi Jamir also could not retain his position. Former Parliamentary Secy. Mmhonlumo Kikon was also not lucky this time.
Shurhozelie, who usually does not beat behind the bush had a stratght forward answer. He said many people could be confused, and that it might have “temporarily created great disappointment” to many senior legislators. He clarified that it was not possible to accommodate all 60 members into the council of ministers.
In an effort to woo MLAs from the “Rio camp”, some MLAs like Imkong Imchen, Kaito & Tovihoto Ayemi were inducted as ministers and parliamentary secretary. On the other hand, many senior MLAs of the likes Noke and CM Chang again could not find a place in the new Government.
With state elections nearing and many boiling issues to take care of, it will be interesting to see if the NPF think-tank’s plans bear long term fruit.
CHIEF MINISTER
Shürhozelie Liezietsu
CABINET MINISTERS
1. Kiyanilie Peseyie
2. Yanthungo Patton
3. P Longon
4. C Kipili Sangtam
5. CL John
6. Yitachu
7. Paiwang Konyak
8. Vikheho Swu
9. Chotisu Sazo
10. Imkong L Imchen
11. G Kaito Aye
PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIES
1. Kejong Chang
2. C. Apok Jamir
3. Deo Nukhu
4. R Tohanba
5. Khriehu Liezietsu
6. Dr. Benjongliba Aier
7. EE Pangteang
8. BS Nganlang
9. Shetoyi
10. L Khumo
11. Er Levi Rengma
12. Er Picto Shohe
13. N Jacob Zhimomi
14. Pukhayi
15. Amenba Yaden
16. Y.M. Yolow
17. Toyang Chankong Chang
18. S Chuba Longkumer
19. Hukavi Zhimomi
20. Eshak Konyak
21. Khekaho Assumi
22. Er Vikho-o Yhoshü
23. T Torechu
24. Tovihoto Ayemi
ADVISORS
1. N Thongwang
2. SI Jamir
3. lmtilemba Sangtam
4. Naiba Konyak
5. Dr TM Lotha
6. Kuzholuzo Azo Nienu