DIMAPUR, May 17 � Nagaland Minister of Planning and Coordination, Evaluation and Geology & Mining TR Zeliang was today formally declared the new leader of the NPF-led DAN Legislature Party and Chief Minister-designate of the State.
Parliamentary Secretary for Jail, HG, VGs and DB/GBs Kejong Chang proposed Zeliang�s name while Forest and Border Affairs Minister Y Patton seconded the proposal during a formal meeting of the NPF-led DAN Legislature Party presided over by Minister for Road and Bridges and Parliamentary Affairs Kuzholuzo Nienu.
Newly-elected Lok Sabha MP and outgoing Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, NPF president Dr Sh�rhozelie along with party workers and almost all DAN legislators, including NCP and Independent MLAs, attended the meeting at State Banquet Hall in Kohima.
NPF Legislature Party and DAN-III Legislature Party endorsed Zeliang as the new leader of the NPF-led DAN by raising their hands.
DAN alliance partners BJP and JD(U) along with outside supporters NCP and Independent legislators reaffirmed their unstinted support and cooperation to the leadership of Zeliang during the meeting.
In his acceptance speech, Zeliang expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, NPF president Dr Sh�rhozelie, party leaders and all legislators of DAN alliance for ensuring smooth and safe transition of leadership and for the trust and confidence reposed on him.
He appreciated the leadership of Rio, saying he is a man of great deeds and in possession of vibrant thoughts. His charismatic nature has instilled an admirable and inspirational sense before the people and for which even our opponents have immense respect for him in particular and NPF party in general,� he said. Congratulating Rio on his landslide victory in the recently concluded Lok Sabha election, Zeliang assured full support and cooperation to him in all his endeavour at the Centre. �We will carry forward the legacy and vision left to us for the welfare of the people,� Zeliang said. Rio congratulated Zeliang and said NPF-led DAN has achieved a lot but it still has a long way to go.
