President’s rule was clamped in Nagaland and the Assembly kept in suspended animation after the coalition party Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) led by Rio’s Nagaland’s People’s Front (NPF) despite winning a controversial no confidence motion on December 13.
Rio survived the trial of strength by 23-19 votes in te 60 member house. It survived because speaker Kiyanielie Peseyie barred three Independent MLAs from voting on the motion and declared invalid the votes of nine dissident NPF MLAs.
The Neiphiu Rio government in Nagaland would have completed its full term of office but it failed to do so as it’s rule was ended by the declaration of president’s rule when it had just two months to complete its term.
The NPF was buoyant till yesterday about overcoming the hurdles and were also confident in the wake of rumors about the imminent President’s rule.
President Pratibha Patil signed the recommendation of the Union Cabinet to dismiss the Rio government and impose central rule in the state. However, it was reported that the president held on to the file for a day before signing and took her time consulting the experts regarding the decision.
Reacting to the rule Rio expressed his apprehension that the latest situation may jeopardize the ongoing peace process with Naga Millitant groups and termed it “outrageous” and termed it illegal.
Meanwhile, the Congress Legislature Party leader I. Imkong sounded jubilant and praised the President for upholding the Constitution and dispensing justice to the people of Nagaland.
Mentionably, President’s Rule was clamped in Nagaland for the first time during Emergency. It was again under President’s Rule in 1987 after the Hokishe Sema led Congress government was reduced to a minority. Then again in 1992 it was under central rule when the Rajiv Gandhi led Congress government at the center dismissed the then ruling Nagaland People’s Council government.
Imposing of President’s Rule just months before Assembly elections has not gone down well with many political leaders and they see the move as the Congress’ repeated moves of overthrowing elected governments in Nagaland as anti people and a ploy to capture power in Nagaland.
Add new comment