The Congress in Nagaland, which goes to polls in February, received a fresh jolt on Monday.

Higher and Technical Education Minister T Chuba and Pradesh Congress vice-president Imkong Imchen tendered their resignations to Chief Minister S C Jamir.

"I cannot reconcile myself with some of the policies and programmes of the government and the party," Chuba said in his resignation letter.

The NPCC vice-president, in his letter, said, "I have given my dedication and loyalty to the best of my ability. However, I have come to understand that my services are no longer required under your dispensation."

Chuba is the third Congress minister to exit the government.

K Therie, who was the power minister, was sacked in August 2001 for anti-party activities and Neiphiu Rio, who had the home portfolio, had resigned in October and joined the Nagaland People's Front.

In the 1998 elections, Congress had won 53 seats while independents had bagged the rest in the 60-member House. No other party had contested the polls.

Later, six independents had joined the Congress as associate members.

In separate notifications on Monday, the assembly secretariat said legislators Asu Keyho from Western Angami LAC, Kakheho Sukhalu from Zunheboto, P Chuba Chang from Tuensang Sadar, Abao Kire from Kohima town [all Congress associate members] and independent legislator Mavil Kheya from Southern Angami-I had resigned from the House.

Mavil Kheya has already joined the NPF.

More Reports from Nagaland