Nagaland, a state rich in culture and history, has been led by a diverse range of Chief Ministers since India’s independence in 1947. From the early Congress governments that oversaw the state’s formation to the recent multi-party coalitions, Nagaland’s political landscape has been shaped by these leaders. This blog will explore the tenures of each Chief Minister.
Key eras and milestones in Nagaland leadership
- Vishwa Nath Upadhyaya (1963–1966): He served as the first Chief Minister of Nagaland after it became a state in 1963.
- T.N. Angami (1966–1969): He succeeded Vishwa Nath Upadhyaya as the Chief Minister.
- Hokishe Sema (1969–1975): Sema served as the Chief Minister for a significant period in the mid-20th century.
- President’s Rule (1975–1977): There was a period of President’s Rule in Nagaland during this time.
- Vizol Angami (1977–1980): He served as the Chief Minister during this period.
- President’s Rule (1980–1982): Nagaland was under President’s Rule once again.
- S.C. Jamir (1982–1986): He became the Chief Minister of Nagaland after the end of the President’s Rule.
- President’s Rule (1986–1988): Another period of President’s Rule followed.
- S.C. Jamir (1988–1990): He served another term as Chief Minister.
- President’s Rule (1990–1993): Nagaland was under the President’s Rule again for a brief period.
- K.L. Chishi (1993–1998): Chishi served as the Chief Minister during this time.
- S.C. Jamir (1998–2003): Jamir once again assumed the role of Chief Minister.
- Neiphiu Rio (2003–2014): Rio began his tenure as Chief Minister in 2003 and served for several terms.
- T. R. Zeliang (2014–2017): He succeeded Neiphiu Rio as the Chief Minister.
- Shurhozelie Liezietsu (2017): He briefly served as Chief Minister in 2017.
- TR Zeliang (2017): Zeliang returned to office after a brief period.
- Neiphiu Rio (2018–2022): Neiphiu Rio became Chief Minister again after winning the state elections in 2018.
Nagaland CM List After Independence
| John Bosco Jasokie | NNO | 11 Mar 1975 – 11 Jul 1975 | Kohima Town |
| president ruling | – | 11 jul 1975 -22 nov 1977 | – |
| Vizol Angami | (UNPO) | 23 nov 1977- 18 apr 1980 | Southern Angami II |
| S.C. Jamir | (INC) | 19 apr 1980 – 5 Jun 1980 | Aonglenden |
| John Bosco Jasokie | NNDP | 6 Jun 1980 – 18 nov 1982 | Kohima Town |
| S.C. Jamir (2nd term) | INC | 30 Jul 1981 – 7 Sep 1986 | Aonglenden |
| Hokishe Sema | Congress (I) | 8 Sep 1986 – 7 Aug 1988 | Hokishe Sema |
| president ruling | N/A | 8 Aug 1988 – 6 Jan 1989 | |
| S.C. Jamir (3rd term) | Congress (I) | 7 Jan 1989 – 10 Mar 1990 | Mokokchung Town |
| K. Hokishe Sema | (NPP) | 22 Mar 1990 – 1 Apr 1992 | Hokishe sema |
| president ruling | N/A | 2 Apr 1992 – 6 Apr 1993 | |
| S.C. Jamir (4th term) | Congress (I) | 5 Apr 1993 – 3 Jul 1998 | Aonglenden |
| Neiphiu Rio | (NPF) | 4 Jul 1998 – 22 Feb 2002 | Northern Angami II |
| S.C. Jamir (5th term) | INC | 3 Mar 2002 – 16 Mar 2003 | Aonglenden |
| Neiphiu Rio (2nd term) | NPF | 22 Mar 2003 – 2 jan 2008 | N/A |
| president ruling | N/A | 3 jan 2008 – 8 mar 2008 | |
| Neiphiu Rio | NPF | 9 mar 2008 – 23 may 2014 | Northern Angami II |
| T.R. Zeliang | NPF | 24 May 2014 – 19 Feb 2017 | Peren |
| Shurhozelie Liezietsu | NPF | 22 Feb 2017 – 13 Mar 2018 | Northern Angami I |
| Neiphiu Rio (3rd term) | NPF | 8 Mar 2018 – 29 May 2019 | Peren |
| T.R. Zeliang (2nd term) | BJP | 10 Jul 2019 – 12 Nov 2019 | N/A |
| Neiphiu Rio (4th term) | NDPP (part of NDA) | 8 Dec 2019 – present | Northern Angami II |