DIMAPUR, May 8 � It is an all-party government in Nagaland now. The Nagaland Assembly will now witness an opposition-less House from today with the completion of the final phase of expansion of Zeliang Ministry.
After the dissidence in the ruling NPF died down and the two rival groups decided to reconcile, Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang completed the final phase of expansion of his Ministry with the induction of three Cabinet Ministers and appointment of nine Parliamentary Secretaries today.
While the three new Cabinet Ministers were sworn in at Raj Bhavan, the nine Parliamentary Secretaries were administered oath of office at the State Banquet Hall.
The three Ministers who were inducted into the Cabinet included two from the NPF � Yitachu and Vikheho Swu (both to be elevated from Parliamentary Secretary) and Congress Legislature Party leader Tokheho Yepthomi. However, it is learnt that Zeliang has not allocated the portfolios today.
Former NPCC president SI Jamir has been appointed as Adviser to the CM with Cabinet status and Congress legislator Imtikumzuk made the Deputy Speaker. The post of the Deputy Speaker fell vacant after Levi Rengma (Ind) was appointed as Parliamentary Secretary.
The new Parliamentary Secretaries who were administered oath of office included four from NPF � Shetoyi, Pukhayi Sumi, EE Pangteang and Dr Benjongliba Aier. The other five are from the Congress and included Khekaho Assumi, Eshak, Dr Imtiwapang Aier, Hukavi and C Apok Jamir.
In the second phase of expansion of the Zeliang Ministry, BJP legislator P Paiwang was elevated from Parliamentary Secretary to Cabinet rank and five others were appointed as Parliamentary Secretaries.
The �internal crisis� in the NPF, which began on January 5, has brought the Congress, the principal opposition in the Assembly, to become part of the coalition government. The BJP has opposed the inclusion of the Congress in the DAN-III coalition government. This was also echoed by BJP national president Amit Shah during his visit to Dimapur on April 17.
On the other hand, newly appointed NPCC president K Therie had on May 6 reiterated that the Congress will have no truck with �communal forces� by being part of a government having BJP as an alliance partner.