Following Zeliang's resignation, NPF's Shurhozelie Liezietsu to be next Nagaland CM

The ruling Naga People's Front's Shurhozelie Liezietsu will be the next Nagaland Chief Minister.

Earlier today, the Naga People's Front (NPF) Legislature Party met here to elect a new leader following the resignation of T.R. Zeliang.

He resigned following widespread protests in the state triggered by the government's decision to reserve 33 percent seats for women in urban local bodies.

A statement from the Chief Minister's Office said that Zeliang has stepped down and a consensus leader will be chosen at the NPF Legislature Party meeting.

Neiphiu Rio, former chief minister and sole MP from the state, also appeared to be a front-runner for the post of the Chief Minister.

Governor PB Acharya accepted Zeliang's resignation and asked him to continue till further arrangements were made.

The NPF Legislature Party meeting was to be followed by a meeting of Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) in Kohima. In the 60-member Assembly, Rio is said to be commanding the support of 49 MLAs, including eight Independents.

At least three MLAs, including Speaker Chotisuh Sazo, were in support of party President Shurhozelie Liezitsu.