Eyeing bigger role in Delhi, Nagaland CM steps down

Neiphiu Rio, the three-time chief minister of Nagaland, resigned from the chair along with his council of ministers on Friday.

Rio, who has been the CM of Nagaland for over 11 years, tendered his resignation following his landslide victory in the just-concluded Lok Sabha polls. Rio submitted his resignation along with that of his council of ministers to Governor Ashwani Kumar at Raj Bhavan.

His resignation letter read, “I hereby tender the resignation of the council of ministers of Nagaland government being headed by me, with immediate effect.”

He was accompanied by CM-designate T R Zeliang, the president of Naga People’s Front and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kuzholuzo Nienu.

The governor told the media that he had accepted Rio’s resignation. He, however, requested Rio to continue in office till an alternative arrangement was made.

Rio, the lone member of Lok Sabha from Nagaland, also submitted his resignation from the 60-member state assembly. Assembly Speaker Chotisuh Sazo said, “I have accepted his resignation.”

While declaring his willingness to contest the parliamentary polls, Rio had said that he wanted to go to New Delhi to play a bigger and important role for the Naga people and the North East region.

Rio defeated closest Congress rival KV Pusa by 4,00,225 votes in the recent Lok Sabha polls, which is the second highest winning margin after Narendra Modi in the country.