By IANS
Kohima : The Nagaland People’s Front (NPF) backed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would form the next government in the Christian-majority state for the second straight term, the Congress having been edged out of the race.
In the results declared for 59 seats, the NPF emerged the single largest party with 26 seats. The Congress bagged 23. Counting of votes for the 60-member legislature began Saturday and continued throughout Sunday.
NPF leader and former chief minister Neiphio Rio Sunday met Governor K. Sankaranarayanan and staked claim to form the government.
The NPF has the support of the BJP and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which won two legislators each. Six independents have also won the elections. The result of one seat is awaited.
“The Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) with NPF, BJP and NCP has the support of independents as well, and we have the required number to form the government,” Rio said.
He attributed the victory to good governance and bringing peace to the state.
Nagaland was placed under central rule in January when Rio’s government lost majority in the assembly.
“The people of Nagaland have faith in us and hence voted us back to power. We shall work for the overall development of the state,” Rio, tipped to be the chief minister for the second term, said.