DAN enjoys support of 35,Rio claims govt to be formed tomorrow

Kohima, Mar 11 (UNI) The strength of the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland(DAN) has increased to 35 with an Independent legislator, who was in the Congress camp, joining the combine, DAN chief ministerial candidate Neiphiu Rio said today.

In the 60-member Assembly, the Nagaland Peoples Front(NPF) had secured 26 seats, BJP two and NCP two. Besides four Independents are supporting DAN.

Re-polling in one polling station under Suruhoto constituency was declared 'kept in abeyance' by the ECI, as it could not be held till March 9 due to problems like group clashes between supporters of the Congress and Independent candidates.

Addressing a press conference here, Mr Rio said of the six Independents who won the March 5 elections, four were already with them. ''Last night another Independent legislator Kipili Sangtam joined DAN, raising its strength to 35,'' Mr Rio, who was the chief minister before imposition of President's Rule in the state, said.

He claimed that the governor would invite them tomorrow to form the government as formalities to be observed before the invitation would be over by today.

He also informed that the Union Cabinet was likely to revoke President's Rule by today to pave way for formation of the ministry.

Asked about his priority if allowed to form the government, Rio said DAN's emphasis would be on creating a peaceful and conducive atmosphere in the state to ensure all round development.

''DAN is always playing a positive role of a facilitator and had united all the Nagas in a single family,'' he said adding certain forces had divided the Nagas in the name of politics during the recent elections. ''It will be DAN's endeavour to unite the Naga family by shedding all hatred among them,'' he asserted.

Speaking on the occasion NPF president Shurhozelie said this time the party has a good team with 17 members of the 10th House, three of them for the fifth time, 17 first timers, four MBBS degree holders, three engineers, as many specialists in agriculture and four lawyers.

''With this good team DAN will be able to deliver good governance to the people with more development,'' he added.

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