Kohima Mar 19 PTI Independent MLA T Yangseo Sangtam was on Saturday unanimously elected the deputy speaker of the Nagaland assemblySangtam the candidate of the United Democratic Alliance UDA is a first-time MLA from the Pungro-Kiphire seatThe post of the deputy speaker had been lying vacant since February 2020 Saturday was the first day of the Budget sessionIn the 60-member assembly NDPP has 21 MLAs NPF 25 BJP 12 and there are two Independent MLAs -- all of whom joined hands in September 2021 to form UDA for facilitating an early solution to the vexed Naga political dialogueSangtam 39 won a by-election in November 2020 following the demise of then sitting NPF legislator T Torechu He has been supporting the Neiphiu Rio governmentWith no other candidate filing nomination Speaker Sharingain Longkumer announced Sangtam elected to the postChief Minister Neiphiu Rio NPF legislature party Leader TR Zeliang and speaker Longkumer congratulated SangtamThey also expressed hope that Sangtam would deliver his responsibilities diligently while maintaining the decorum of the HouseSangtam also sought the support and cooperation of the members in discharging the duty asserting that he would treat all members equally PTI NBS SOM SOM

Kohima Mar 18 PTI The week-long budget session of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly NLA will commence on Saturday officials said The session will commence with the customary address of state Governor Jagdish Mukhi followed by obituary reference to the passing away of former legislators during the inter-session period and election of Deputy Speaker Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio who also holds the Finance portfolio will present the Budget 2022-23 on February 22 The session assumes significance as this will be the first budget session of the opposition-less government United Democratic Alliance UDA formed in September 2021 This is also likely to be the last budget session of the 13th Nagaland Assembly as the state assembly election is due by February-March next year The UDA held a pre-budget meeting here on Friday where it was unanimously decided that first time MLA T Yangseo Sangtam would be next Deputy Speaker of the State Assembly UDA secretary and cabinet minister Neiba Kronu told PTI here Yangseo got elected to the Assembly from Pubgro-Kiphire constituency as an Independent candidate in the by-election held in November 2022 following the demise of then sitting NPF legislator T Torechu He had been extending support to the UDA government which comprises of 21 NDPP legislators 25 NPF 12 BJP and 2 Independent MLAs Besides the routine question hour the session will also have laying of annual administrative reports of the government departments government reports and rules presentation of Assembly Committee Reports The report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India on state finances and the government activities would also be laid PTI NBS RG RG