Rio demands reinstatement of DAN govt

Kohima, Jan 15 (UNI) At least 24 MLAs of the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) led by outgoing Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, signed a memorandum before the Governor to prove that DAN still enjoyed majority in the State.

The legislators also demanded revocation of Preident's rule and reinstatement of the DAN government as it 'enjoyed majority' in the Assembly with 24 MLAs (Nagaland Peoples' Front 19, BJP four and one Independent) in the present 45-member House.

The development comes hours after the Election Commission announced the date of Assembly polls yesterday.

The lawmakers said as 15 legislators had already resigned, the effective strength of the House is 45.

They further added that the Opposition Congress had only 18 members (Congress 16 and JD(U) two).

Later Mr Rio told newspersons that the Governor had assured them of writing to the Union Government.

The Nagaland Assembly is under suspended animation following the imposition of President's rule.

Yesterday, the Election Commission announced that the State would have Assembly polls on March 5.

Meanwhile, the Nagaland Peoples' Front, a major constituent of the DAN, today welcomed the EC's announcement of Assembly elections saying the Front was confident of facing the people's mandate.

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