ZPM to form Govt in Mizoram, Lalduhoma likely to be new CM
The ZPM has won 25 seats and is leading in two seats in the 40-member Assembly while the MNF won seven seats and is leading in three seats so far as the counting of votes is underway in different districts.
New Delhi: The Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) headed by IPS officer-turned-politician Lalduhoma secured an absolute majority wresting power for the first time in Mizoram on Monday and delivering a crushing defeat to the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF).
The ZPM has won 25 seats and is leading in two seats in the 40-member Assembly while the MNF won seven seats and is leading in three seats so far as the counting of votes is underway in different districts.
Accepting the defeat, outgoing Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga would be meeting Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati in the Raj Bhavan before the evening to submit his resignation letter.
The opposition Congress, which governed the mountainous border state for many years, was leading in only one seat — Lawngtlai West seat.
BJP candidate and former MNF Minister K. Beichhua, who joined the saffron party weeks before the November 7 Assembly election, and his party colleague K. Hrahmo won their Siaha and Palak seats respectively. Both the saffron party candidates defeated their MNF opponents.
Former Mizoram Assembly Speaker Lalrinliana Sailo, who quit MNF days before the polls and joined BJP, lost his Mamit seat to the MNF candidate H. Lalzirliana.
ZPM’s President and party’s Chief Ministerial candidate Lalduhoma in a multi corner contest retained his Serchhip seat defeating his nearest MNF rival J. Malsawmzuala Vanchhawng by a margin of 2,983 votes while most of the prominent nominees of the party were leading in their respective seats.
The IPS officer-turned-politician Lalduhoma, who secured 8,314 votes, was elected to the state Assembly for the second consecutive time.
(With inputs from IANS)
Ms Kalinga