T.R. Zeliang on Sunday decided to step down as Nagaland Chief Minister in a dramatic turn of events in the violence-hit State.
The NPF meeting will be followed by a meeting of DAN (Democratic Alliance of Nagaland) at 11 a.m. in Kohima.
In the 60-member Assembly, an NPF source claimed, former Chief Minister and sole MP from the State Neiphiu Rio, commanded the support of 49 MLAs, including eight Independents, while at least three are with party president Shurhozelie Liezitsu.
The three include Speaker Chotisuh Sazo.
However, political analysts said that with ever-changing complexions, the strength of each side can be clear only after the back-to-back meetings on Monday.
The legislators, holed up in a resort in Assam’s Kaziranga, had started leaving Kohima on Friday night as Dr. Liezietsu was preparing to stake claim to replace Mr. Zeliang soon after the arrival of Governor P.B. Acharya from New Delhi.
NPF sources said both Mr. Rio and Mr. Zeliang met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on Saturday but they refused to divulge details.
The BJP has four MLAs in the State.
Mr. Zeliang had left for Delhi on February 16, 2017 after seeking two days’ time to step down as CM.
Protests had erupted after announcement of holding ULB elections with 33 per cent reservation for women.
The Nagaland government had fulfilled the demand of Nagaland Tribes Action Committee (NTAC) Kohima, declaring the entire process of Urban Local Bodies election with 33 per cent reservation for women as null and void.
Its second demand of suspending the personnel involved in January 31, 2017 police firing on the protesters leading to the killing of two youths in Dimapur has been partially fulfilled as they have been transferred.
