The Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) has emerged victorious in the Mizoram Assembly elections, clinching 27 seats out of the 40, comfortably surpassing the halfway mark. Lalduhoma, ZPM's chief ministerial candidate, achieved a significant victory in the Serchhip constituency, defeating MNF candidate J Malsawmzuala Vanchhawng by a margin of 2982 votes.
The ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) faced a setback, securing only seven seats. The BJP, however, celebrated victories in the Palak and Saiha constituencies.
Chief Minister Zoramthanga of the MNF suffered a major blow, losing the Aizawl East-I seat to Lalthansanga of ZPM by 2,101 votes. Deputy CM Tawnluia also faced defeat, losing the Tuichang seat to ZPM candidate W Chhuanawma by a margin of 909 votes.
Mizoram, traditionally dominated by the Congress and the Mizo National Front, has witnessed a significant shift in political dynamics. Zoramthanga, the President of the MNF, has been a key figure in Mizoram's political landscape. He assumed the role of Chief Minister after the 1998 Assembly polls, ending the Congress's decade-long rule. The MNF governed for ten years until Congress secured victories in 2008 and 2013.
Reflecting on the BJP's performance, state party chief Vanlalhmuaka said that the outcome was “a little unexpected.” He acknowledged the people's mandate and credited the progress to the leadership of PM Modi and JP Nadda. Vanlalhmuaka highlighted the party's growth in Mizoram, securing three seats compared to the single seat in 2018.
(Inputs from ANI)
