In a tweet, chief minister Neiphiu Rio said: “Congratulations, Smt. Phangnon Konyak @phangnon on being elected to the @RajyaSabha and also on becoming the first Naga woman to represent Nagaland in the Rajya Sabha. I am confident that you will represent our state exceptionally well. I wish you the best for a successful tenure.”

Konyak, who is the state BJP women’s wing chief, has become the second woman Member of Parliament from Nagaland in 45 years. Rano M Shaiza was the first. She was elected to Lok Sabha in 1977. KG Kenye of Naga People’s Front, who occupies the lone Rajya Sabha seat from Nagaland, will retire on April 2.

(With inputs from agencies)