Kohima: Neiphiu Rio, unanimously elected leader of the Democratic Alliance of
Nagaland (DAN), was on March 5 invited by Governor Shyamal Dutta to form the next
government in Nagaland.
The swearing in ceremony would be held on March 6, Raj Bhavan sources said.
The 53-year-old Rio was unanimously elected leader of the five-party conglomerate
after which the DAN leaders drove to Raj Bhavan to formally stake claim to form the
government.
Octogenarian Hokise Sema, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Legislature party leader and
former Chief Minister was elected DAN chairman.
Rio was earlier elected leader of the Nagaland People's Front (NPF) Legislature
party. NPF with 19 seats is the major constituent of DAN.
The National Democratic Movement with five MLAs was also formally inducted into the
alliance.
In the 60-member Assembly, DAN has 38 MLAs, NPF 19, BJP 6, Janata Dal – United (JD-
U) 3, NDM 5, Samata 1 and independents 4.
Later when asked by reporters whether his ministry would be a jumbo-sized one, Rio
replied jocularly "I leave it to your imagination as you know the size of DAN very
well."
On his priorities Rio said peace in the state was of foremost importance which would
be achieved by uniting all Naga non-governmental organisations (NGOs) including the
Nag Ho Ho, Naga Mothers Association and the Naga Students Federation.
"Our aim will be to bring a political solution to the Naga problem with the
blessings of the Centre, particularly as national parties including the BJP, Samata
and JD(U) are in the alliance. The Prime Minister is also making a sincere attempt
to solve the Naga problem," Rio added.
PTI
