NPF expels Nagaland CM Zeliang from party

The Naga People's Front (NPF) on Wednesday expelled T.R. Zeliang from the party for six years, soon after he was sworn in as Nagaland Chief Minister.

The development came within hours of Governor P.B. Acharya dismissing the Shurhozelie Liezietsu government after he failed to prove his majority in the Assembly, and administering the oath of office to Zeliang.

In the expulsion order, the NPF working presidents -- Huskha Yepthomi and Apong Pongener -- stated that Zeliang, "tried to destabilize and instigate the leadership of NPF-led Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government by demanding the resignation of party Chief Minister and its party president (Liezietsu)".

"He (Zeliang) tried to stake claim to form his government by defying the party reconciliation call and revocation order."

They said Zeliang's expulsion from the party has become "inevitable to keep peace in the party so that the noble objectives of the party are carried out in the interest of the people and the state".

Acharya administered the oath of office and secrecy to the 65-year-old Zeliang in a ceremony at the Raj Bhavan here.

Zeliang will have to prove his majority in the House on or before July 22. The new Chief Minister will announce his council of ministers after the floor test.

This is the first time a political party has expelled a legislator who was sworn in as Chief Minister.

--IANS

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