Nagaland Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang resigned on Sunday against the backdrop of widespread protests in the State against the government decision to reserve 33 per cent of the seats in urban local bodies for women.
Neiphiu Rio, former Chief Minister and the only MP from the State, appears to be a front-runner for the Chief Minister’s post.
A statement from the Chief Minister’s Office said Mr. Zeliang was stepping down and a consensus leader would be chosen on Monday morning at the Naga People’s Front (NPF) Legislature Party meeting.
Governor P.B. Acharya accepted Mr. Zeliang’s resignation and asked him to continue till further arrangements were made, official sources said.
Monday’s NPF meeting will be followed by a meeting of the DAN (Democratic Alliance of Nagaland) at 11 a.m. here.
In the 60-member Assembly, Mr. Rio is said to be commanding the support of 49 MLAs, including eight Independents. At least three MLAs, including Speaker Chotisuh Sazo, are with party President Shurhozelie Liezitsu.
The BJP has four MLAs in the state.
