As Mizos gear up for polls, focus on Manipur effect, drug menace, joblessness
Mizo National Front, an NDA constituent, in a delicate spot. The MNF faces a tough fight from the Zoram People’s Movement and Congress. The BJP hopes to spring a surprise in the elections, reports Bikash Singh.
PARTY-HOPPING
There has been a spate of resignations with around eight MLAs (including five independent MLAs) having resigned.
*From MNF: Assembly Speaker and MNF leader Lalrinliana Sailo resigned from the post.
He is contesting as the BJP candidate from Mamit. He was apparently miffed with MNF for being denied a ticket. Sailo was earlier with Congress and has won 4 times from Chalfilh.
*From Congress: Congress MLA KT Rokhaw and former minister K Beichhua have also resigned as MLAs.
While Rokhaw has joined MNF, Beichhua was expelled from the MNF, and joined the BJP.
*ZPM’s Likely Nominees: The five MLAs who resigned are VL Zaithanzama of Aizawl West-III constituency, Vanlalthlana of Aizawl North-II, Lalchhuanthanga of Aizawl South II, C Lalsawivunga of Aizawl South-I and Vanlalhlana of Aizawl North-I. These five MLAs, who were with ZPM, contested as independents in the 2018 polls. ZPM is not registered as a political party.
Following their resignation, these MLAs will be able to file nominations as ZPM nominees.
TICKET
MNF: It has fielded all incumbent legislators, except home minister Lalchamliana, who opted not to contest and give room to youngsters. MNF has brought in 15 new face
ZPM: It had won eight seats in the 2018 assembly polls but lost two seats in the subsequent bypolls while retaining the Serchhip seat in the 2021 bypolls.
CONGRESS: The party has released its list of 39 candidates. Mizoram Congress president Lalsawta will contest from Aizawl West-III.
