The Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday released its list of 12 candidates for the upcoming Mizoram polls. The party's state unit chief Vanlalhmuaka has been fielded from Dampa (ST) seat while former Speaker of Mizoram Legislative Assembly Lalrinliana Sailo who quit Mizo National Front to join BJP has been given a ticket from Mamit (ST) seat.
Shanti Bikash Chakma will contest against Congress Legislature Party leader Zodintluanga Ralte's stronghold Thornag seat.
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The polls to 40-member Mizoram Legislative Assembly will take place on November 7 and the votes will be counted on December 3.
Later in the day the party issued a second list of nine candidates which included the names of Judy Zohmingliani for the Tuivawl assembly seat, F Lalremsangi for the Aizwal South-I seat and K Vanlalruati for the Serchhip seat among others.
The announcment was made after BJP's central election committee, which includes Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and party chief J P Nadda, approved the names of the candidates.
The development comes a day after Congress released its list of candidates for all the 40 seats which included the names of four incumbent legislators.
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Ruling Mizo National Front and Zoram Peoples' Movement have already announced the list of their candidates and both parties will contest all the 40 seats.
The Congress has pitted Lalsanglura Ralte, a first timer, as its candidate against Chief Minister Zoramthanga in Aizawl East-I seat. Zoramthanga had won the seat in 2018 too.
Mizoram PCC chief Lalsawta has been given a ticket by the party from Aizawl West-III seat and senior party vice-president Lal Thanzara from Aizawl North-III.
Lalsawta has been fielded against ZPM candidate V L Zaithanzama and MNF nominee K Sawmvela.
Congress state vice-president Lalnunmawia Chuaungo will contest from Aizawl North-I, party treasurer Lalmalsawma Nghaka has been picked for Aizawl South-II seat. sitting MLA Lalrindika Ralte from Hachhek is pitted against Sports Minister Robert Romawia Royte from MNF.