Cabinet nod for Central rule in Nagaland

The Opposition Congress had, however, questioned the Speaker’s decision claiming the Government had been voted out of power. On December 18, Congress legislators from the state had met President Pratibha Patil and submitted a memorandum demanding the dismissal of the Rio Government. The Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly, I Imkong, had alleged “constitutional impropriety” on part of the Speaker and demanded immediate action on the Governor’s report.

Imkong claimed the Opposition had the support of 31 legislators in the 60-member Assembly, including 17 from the Congress, two from the JD(U), three Independents and nine from the ruling Nagaland People’s Front.

At its December 24 meeting, the Union Cabinet had discussed the issue, but not taken any decision. Subsequently, the Government consulted the Law Ministry and at an unscheduled meeting of the Cabinet on Tuesday evening, it was decided to impose President’s Rule.

The Congress high command had backed the state unit’s demand for dismissal of the NPF-led Government, claiming the Opposition had won the no-confidence motion against the Rio Government 31 to 23. Although the Congress MLAs wanted to explore the option of forming an alternative Government, the central leadership turned it down contending that elections in the state were just about two months away. Nagaland is likely to go to the polls in early February.