|
Nagaland : DAN ally threatens to break away |
 |
Reports from Kohima say that trouble seems to be brewing for Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio with the Janata Dal (United) announcing its decision to reconsider support to the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government.
Deo Nukhu, the deputy chairman of the state planning board, said on Sept. 20 that the JD(U) might withdraw support to the Rio government if the members of the party arrive at a consensus. He added that the two JD(U) members, Nukhu and Huska Sumi, would discuss the possibility of withdrawing support to the DAN coali¬tion.
Nukhu and Sumi were at loggerheads because of an internal crisis in the party. Sumi had virtually withdrawn support to the DAN government in 2004 but could not announce it because of the anti-defection law.
Nukhu, who is still with the DAN government, was upset as the Nagaland People’s Front (NPF), the largest constituent of the ruling DAN, did not offer any cabinet berth to the JD(U) after downsizing the ministry. The JD(U) had alleged that Rio and the NPF were breaking their promise.
Nukhu said he is closely monitoring the latest political development in the DAN camp.
Both Nukhu and Sumi were cabinet ministers before the down¬sizing of the ministry. JD(U) central leader George Fernandez was the star campaigner for the DAN during the state elections in 2003. But later the party was sidelined.
The four NPF legislators who had resigned last week said they had conveyed their decision to the JD(U) members and hoped others would follow suit. “We have already conveyed our decision to the JD(U) members,” said K. Therie, leader of the four dissi¬dent legislators. The other three dissident legislators are Z. Obed, Yeangphong Konyak and Vatsu Meru.
Therie added that some members of the BJP are also willing to join them. The BJP leaders could not be contacted. With the resignation of four NPF legislators and one Independent withdraw¬ing support to the government, the DAN has been reduced to 38.
|
