New Delhi: The Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), an alliance of six parties, is poised to take charge in Mizoram, superseding the Mizo National Front (MNF). Early results indicate a potential landslide for the ZPM, leading in 29 seats, while the incumbent MNF trails far behind, currently ahead in only seven seats.
The BJP and Congress are leading on two and one, respectively.
Incumbent Chief Minister Zoramthanga lost the election from Aizawl East-1 constituency. His deputy Tawnluia too suffered defeat in Tuichang.
ZPM chief Lalduhoma, 74, said people are tired of the MNF. “Mizoram has been under the MNF for a long time. And people really want change in the way they are governed. They want to end corruption,” Lalduhoma told NDTV during the election campaign.
A former IPS officer, Lalduhoma is set to spearhead this transition. He won the Serchhip seat and has expressed intentions to meet the governor to stake a claim for government formation.
Lalduhoma was an IPS officer. He served in Goa before overseeing the security of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the national capital. Transitioning to politics, he made history by entering the Lok Sabha in 1984 under ZPM.
Notably, he was the first MP to be disqualified under the anti-defection law in 2020. But Lalduhoma persisted, establishing a significant presence in Mizoram. He triumphed in the subsequent by-election for the Serchhip seat.
As his ZPM appears set to take the reins, Lalduhoma has affirmed that the party will form the government independently, without forming post-poll alliances with national parties.
