DIMAPUR, March 13 - The Neiphiu Rio-led government in Nagaland won the floor test in the Assembly today.
After election of the Speaker of the Assembly, Rio moved the motion to prove majority of his government on the floor of the House. The PDA polled 33 votes, while the Opposition Naga People�s Front secured 26. The ruling PDA has 34 MLAs in the 60-member House. PDA partners Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) has 18 legislators, BJP 12, JD (U) 1, National People�s Party (NPP) has 2 MLAs, and there is an Independent. The Opposition NPF has 26 members.
Nagaland Governor PB Acharya appointed Rio as the new Chief Minister on March 6 and had asked him to prove his majority on the floor of the House on or before March 16.
The session began with all the elected members making the oath of affirmation before pro-tem Speaker Mmhonlumo Kikon followed by election of the Speaker.
Vikho-o Yhosu of NDPP was elected Speaker of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly. He defeated Opposition candidate Dr Imtiwapang Aier by six votes. Yhosu polled 33 votes, while Aier bagged 26 votes. Yhoshu has been elected to the State Assembly on three consecutive terms since 2008.
Speaker-elect Yhoshu, in his address, assured the members to be fair, unbiased and judicious cutting across party lines. He called upon the members to shoulder the responsibility and confidence that people have reposed in them to shape their destiny. He also appealed for their cooperation to ensure effective discharge of their assigned duties.
Chief Minister Rio, congratulating Yhoshu on being elected as the Speaker of the 13th Nagaland Assembly, described him as a refined and friendly gentleman with pleasant nature and strong integrity. He has vast experience in government and public services, and his guidance will be very valuable to all with his wide experience and knowledge, Rio said.
NPF Legislature Party leader TR Zeliang congratulated Yhoshu on being elected as the Speaker of the Assembly.
The role of the Speaker is to maintain absolute neutrality and impartiality and uphold the dignity and decorum of the House, the former Chief Minister said while expressing his confidence in the new Speaker that he would live up to the expectations of the members of the House. The Assembly will have a long break from March 14 to 21. The House will meet again on March 22.
