Heating up the wind of the political atmosphere in Mizoram, the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) kicked off a State-Wide Campaign for the ensuing Assembly polls at Vanapa Hall in Aizawl on Wednesday. The party also announced a list of 40 candidates for the 40 Assembly seats.
Prominent names among the list include Chief Minister Zoramthanga from 13 – Aizawl East I (One), Deputy Chief Minister Tawnluia from 22 – Tuichang Assembly Constituency, Art & Culture Minister R Lalzirliana from Aizawl North I (One), Health Minister Dr R Lalthanglian from 29 – South Tuipui Constituency, Rural Development Minister Lalruatkima from Aizawl West II (Two) Assembly Constituency. In a shift of strategy, Tourism Minister Robert Romawia Royte, who represented Aizawl East II (Two) in the current Assembly has been named as the candidate for 01 – Hachek Assembly Constituency. Interestingly, the incumbent Speaker Lalrinliana Sailo and Siaha MLA Dr K Beichhua were not on the list while Home Minister Lalchamliana Sailo opted out to contest the ensuing Assembly elections.
Sitting Rajya Sabha MP K Vanlalvena is being named for 18 – Aizawl South I (One) Assembly seat while the new entrant – a veteran journalist J Malsawmzuala Vanchhawng is to contest from 26 – Serchhip Assembly Constituency. The party also announced two women candidates – the sitting AMC Executive Corporator B Lalawmpuii from Aizawl East II (Two) and Prova Chakma from West Tuipui Assembly Constituency.
Addressing the jampacked gathering, Chief Minister and party president Zoramthanga expressed the hope that the MNF would return to power in the forthcoming Assembly polls. He said that the Congress Party is the traditional challenger in the past but that has changed now. Seeing the changing political dynamics and the growing popularity of the new political party – the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), the Chief Minister hinted that the ZPM would be the challenger in these elections. However, Pu Zoramthanga expressed the hope that MNF would get a majority of at least 30 seats or so in the Assembly polls.
Pu Zoramthanga fervently called upon the people of the State to vote and support the party for enduring prosperity and development of all sections in Mizoram. In 2018, the MNF won by winning 28 seats in the 40-member House. A total of 25 sitting MLAs figured in the list which was released amidst enthusiasm and bonhomie. Mizoram is set to go for Assembly polls later this year.
