Mizoram CM Zoramthanga Resigns, Acknowledging People’s Verdict

Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga submitted his resignation to Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati at Raj Bhavan on Monday, acknowledging the people’s verdict. The Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) secured a significant victory with 27 seats, surpassing the required majority in the 40-seat assembly.

Zoramthanga, in a press statement on Monday, attributed his loss to the anti-incumbency effect and the public’s dissatisfaction with his performance. He accepted the people’s decision and expressed hope that the incoming government would perform effectively, citing anti-incumbency and the impact of the Covid pandemic as contributing factors.

The Election Commission of India reported ZPM’s triumph in 27 seats, while the Mizo National Front (MNF) won 10 seats. In a notable setback for the ruling MNF, a constituent of the BJP-led NDA, Chief Minister Zoramthanga lost the Aizawl East-I seat to ZPM’s Lalthansanga by 2,101 votes.

Mizoram’s political landscape, traditionally dominated by the Congress and MNF since achieving full statehood in 1987, witnessed a shift with the recent elections. Zoramthanga, a prominent figure in Mizoram politics, had led the MNF to victory in 1998, ending the Congress’s decade-long rule. The MNF governed for ten years until the Congress secured wins in 2008 and 2013.

Deputy Chief Minister Tawnluia faced defeat to ZPM candidate W. Chhuanawma in the Tuichang seat by a margin of 909 votes. ZPM’s Chief Ministerial candidate, Lalduhoma, secured a clear victory in the Serchhip constituency, defeating MNF candidate J. Malsawmzuala Vanchhawng by 2,982 votes.

In another notable result, ZPM’s Lalnghinglova Hmar emerged victorious in the Aizawl West-II constituency, defeating state cabinet minister Lalruatkima. The elections, held on November 7, witnessed the ruling MNF facing strong competition from ZPM, Congress, and the BJP in the 40-member Mizoram assembly.