The ruling Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), along with its ally Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which retained power in Nagaland for a second straight term by winning 37 seats together in the 60-member Assembly, is likely to assume office on March 7.
Party sources said that the swearing-in ceremony of the Chief Minister and other ministers will be held in Kohima on March 7.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several central BJP leaders and ministers are likely to attend the swearing-in ceremony.
Outgoing Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who on Friday was unanimously elected as the leader of the NDPP legislative party, submitted his resignation letter to Governor La Ganesan on Saturday.
After meeting the Governor, Rio tweeted: "As my tenure has come to an end, I submitted my resignation as Chief Minister of Nagaland to Governor La Ganesan."
NDPP sources said that Rio is likely to stake his claim to form the next government on Monday after a meeting with alliance partner BJP on Sunday.
Rio (72), Nagaland's longest serving Chief Minister, is set to assume the top post for a fifth straight term on March 7. In the February 27 Assembly polls, Rio defeated Congress' Seyievelie Sachu, a greenhorn in state politics, in Northern Angami II by a record margin of 15,824 votes.
The NDPP and BJP, which contested the elections in a 40:20 seat-sharing arrangement, had earlier announced before the elections that if voted to power, Rio would retain the Chief Minister's post.
The NDPP won 25 seats, eight more than its 2018 tally, while the BJP secured 12 seats, same as last elections.
The Congress, which governed the state for many years till 2003, had contested 23 seats but drew a blank once again. The grand old party had no legislator in the outgoing Assembly.
Nagaland Congress President Kewekhape Therie lost in Dimapur against BJP's H. Tovihoto Ayemi by a margin of 6,959 votes.
In the February 27 elections, the results of which were declared on March 2, Nationalist Congress Party secured six seats; National People's Party led by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma managed five seats; Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas Paswan), Nagala People's Front and Republican Party of India (Ramdas Athawale) bagged two seats each; Janata Dal (United) bagged one seat; while four seats were won by Independent candidates.
Nagaland's Deputy Chief Minister and BJP legislative party leader Yanthungo Patton (Tyui), former Chief Minister Taditui Rangkau Zeliang (Peren), and Nagaland BJP chief Temjen Imna Along (Alongtaki) were all re-elected to the Assembly.
Meanwhile, for the first time in Nagaland's electoral history, two women -- Salhoutuonuo Kruse (Western Angami) and Hekani Jakhalu (Dimapur-III), both NDPP nominees -- were elected to the Nagaland Assembly.
‘Pahalgam incident deeply disturbing & tragic’: Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday termed the Pahalgam terror attack as disturbing & tragic and also condoled the victims and their families.
Congress finally deletes 'Gayab' post targeting PM Modi after outrage
Under fire from the BJP over its social media post targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress finally, on Tuesday, took down the controversial post.
Guterres calls EAM Jaishankar, Pak PM Sharif; stresses pursuing justice in Pahalgam terror attack
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the importance of pursuing justice in the Pahalgam terrorist attack while speaking with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shebaz Sharif, his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday.
Congress organises ‘Save Constitution’ rallies across NE states
The opposition Congress has been organising ‘Samvidhan Bachao’ (Save Constitution) campaign in the northeastern states. Claiming that the Constitution is in danger under the BJP-led Central government, the opposition Congress held a massive rally in Agartala on Tuesday.
RSS chief Bhagwat meets PM Modi after security huddle: Signs of a hard-hitting response in the works
In a significant political development, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg on Tuesday evening.
What PM Modi's free hand to armed forces against terror means for cross-border action?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unambiguous message during a high-level security meeting - ‘India is determined to deliver a crushing blow to terrorism’ - marks more than just a strong statement of resolve.
Justice BR Gavai appointed as next Chief Justice of India
Justice Gavai was elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court on May 29, 2019. Appointed as Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court in November 2003, he became a permanent Judge in November 2005.
Three more Bangladeshi nationals held in Tripura
The Tripura Frontier of the Border Security Force (BSF) on Tuesday apprehended three Bangladeshi nationals, including a woman, for illegally entering India, officials said.