In a dramatic twist to the long-running political uncertainty in Nagaland, TR Zeliang was today appointed the new chief minister of Nagaland by Governor PB Acharya and asked to prove his majority on the floor of the House on or before July 22. Zeliang was appointed shortly after Chief Minister Shurhozelie Liezietsu failed to appear for a floor test in the Assembly.

The floor test was needed after the Gauhati High Court dismissed his plea to stay the Governor’s directive to him to seek a trust vote. The motion to prove the majority of Liezietsu could not be taken up as he was not present and the House was adjourned sine die, the speaker said. 

Acharya had, on July 11 and July 13, directed Liezietsu, who is facing rebellion by 43 rulingNaga People’s Front MLAs led by Zeliang demanding change of leadership in the present House of 59, to seek a vote of confidence on or before 15 July.

Zeliang had been forced out of office in February following large-scale protests over holding of urban local bodies election with 33 per cent reservation for women. He had staked claim to form the government saying he had majority support in the House.