Neiphiu Rio led People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) government won trust vote on the first day of the first session of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly on Tuesday.
After election of the Speaker of the Assembly, Rio moved the motion to prove majority of his government on the floor of the House. The PDA polled 33 votes as against Opposition Naga People’s Front’s 26.
The ruling PDA has 34 MLAs in the 60-member House. The PDA partners Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) has 18 legislators, BJP 12, JD (U) 1, National People’s Party (NPP) 2 MLAs besides an Independent totaling 34 in the 60-member House. Opposition NPF has 26 members.
Nagaland Governor PB Acharya appointed Rio as the new chief minister on March 6 and had asked him to prove his majority on the floor of the House on or before March 16.
The session began with all the elected members making the oath of affirmation before Pro-tem Speaker Mmhonlumo Kikon followed by election of Speaker.
Er. Vikho-o Yhosu of NDPP was elected Speaker of 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly. He defeated Opposition NPF candidate Dr Imtiwapang Aier by six votes. Yhosu polled 33 votes while Aier secured 26 votes. Yhoshu was elected to the State Assembly for three consecutive terms since 2008.
Speaker-elect Yhoshu, in his address, assured the members to be fair, unbiased and judicious cutting aside party lines. He called upon the members to shoulder the responsibility and confidence that people have reposed on them to shape their destiny.
He also appealed for their cooperation to ensure effective discharge of their assigned duties. Thanking the members for the confidence reposed on him, Yhoshu assured to give his best to live up to their expectation.
Chief Minister Rio, congratulating Yhoshu on being elected as the Speaker of 13th Nagaland Assembly, described him as a refined and friendly gentleman with pleasant nature and strong integrity. He has vast experience in government and public services, his guidance will be very valuable to all with his wide experience and knowledge, the CM spoke of Yhoshu.
Urging all members cutting across party lines to extend cooperation, Rio assured to leave no stone unturned to meet the expectations of the people of Nagaland and ensure cordial atmosphere for smooth functioning of the House. NPF Legislature Party leader TR Zeliang congratulated Yhoshu on being elected as the Speaker of the Assembly.
The role of the Speaker is to maintain absolute neutrality and impartiality and uphold the dignity and decorum of the House, the former chief minister said while expressing his confidence in the new Speaker that he would live up to the expectations of the members of the House.
Zeliang said in a democracy, majority prevails and therefore the Speaker should strictly ensure that laws and the procedures are not violated. He assured full cooperation from the Opposition as long impartiality in dispensing just decisions is maintained.
The Assembly will have a long break from March 14 to 21. The House will resume on March 22 when the state budget will presented and passed.