Two-cornered contest in Mizoram

AIZAWL: The battle for the lone Lok Sabha seat in Mizoram this time will primarily be a two-cornered contest between the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) and the Congress-ZPM combine. While MNF has fielded C Lalrosanga, the Cong-ZPM combine has projected Lalnghinglova Hmar. The other parties in fray are BJP, Conrad Sangma-led National People's Party and People's Representation for Identity and Status of Mizoram (PRISM).

These three parties are yet to name their candidates. Lalhriagrenga Chhangte, an Independent, is also contesting polls .


ZPM and Congress, which fought against each other in the assembly election held on November 28, said they were prompted to forge the alliance to keep BJP and its allies at bay in the coming polls. The ZPM-Congress combine on Thursday announced that Lalnghinglova Hmar will be its candidate for the parliamentary polls and Lalbuanga Sailo will be its nominee for the bypoll to the Aizawl West- I assembly seat.

Announcing the nomination of Hmar and Sailo, ZPM leader K Sapdanga described the 2 candidates as 'Mipui candidates' or people's choices. The duo would use the triangle as an election symbol. While Hmar, a well-known sports reporter, is presently the honorary secretary of the Mizoram Football Association (MFA), Sailo is a retired government official.

Earlier on Wednesday, MNF named C Lalrosanga, a retired Indian Broadcasting Programme Service officer and the first official from the northeast region to hold the top post of Director General of Doordarshan, as its candidate for the Lok Sabha election. The party has also decided to field former student leader Zodintluanga to contest the by-election to the prestigious Aizawl West - I seat, vacated by ZPM leader Lalduhoma.

Mizoram chief minister and MNF president Zoramthanga had earlier said the ruling party would not form any alliance for the elections. MNF routed the ruling Congress in the last assembly election by bagging 26 seats, followed by newly formed ZPM (8 seats) and Congress (5 seats). BJP opened an account for the first time by bagging one seat. The Mizoram assembly has 60 seats in total.

ZPM, which the largest opposition party, was formed by Zoram Nationalist Party, Mizoram People's Conference and other smaller groups.