Watching the Constituency: ZPM Emerges as Strong Political Force in Mizoram’s Lone LS Seat

Aizawl, Mizoram now sees the rise of Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) as a new strong political entity in the state. With the ZPM contesting for the state’s lone Lok Sabha seat, the Congress and MNF face new competition after decades of dominance.

Founded before the 2018 Assembly elections, ZPM secured power in the state after the 2023 polls, winning 27 out of 40 Assembly seats. With ZPM entering parliamentary elections, a multi-party contest is expected for the Mizoram Lok Sabha seat on April 19.

Chief Minister and ZPM President Lalduhoma, a former Congress member in 1984, put forward newcomer Richard Vanlalhmangaiha as the party’s candidate for the Lok Sabha seat. The ZPM stands for corruption-free governance and preservation of Mizo tradition, challenging the political landscape in Mizoram.

While the MNF has fielded sitting Rajya Sabha member K. Vanlalvena, the Congress, BJP, and People’s Conference have also put forward candidates. The state’s history reflects multiple victories for Congress, while independent candidates backed by different parties have also claimed victory.

Lalduhoma, stressing the ZPM’s autonomy from national political influences, asserts their commitment to Mizo heritage. Meanwhile, tensions escalate between BJP and MNF over national issues like the Uniform Civil Code and ethnic violence in Manipur, impacting relations within the NEDA alliance.

Ethnic violence in Manipur has spilled over to Mizoram, impacting the polls. The BJP, aiming for support in Mizoram, highlights the need for a strong representative in the Lok Sabha for the state’s development. The forthcoming elections are anticipated to redefine political dynamics in Mizoram.