Mizoram CM Zoramthanga Tenders His Resignation As ZPM Trounces MNF In Polls

The Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) is rushing to power in Mizoram, having already won 26 seats and leading in another while ballots for assembly elections were being tabulated.

Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga.

Source : PTI

Following Mizo National Front (MNF) debacle in the assembly polls, Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga on Monday tender his resignation Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, news agency ANI reported. According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) is rushing to power in Mizoram, having already won 27 seats and leading in another while ballots for assembly elections were being tabulated. 

#WATCH | Aizawl: Mizoram CM Zoramthanga tenders his resignation to Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati at Raj Bhavan. pic.twitter.com/nXtuZgCmJh

— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2023

Speaking with reporters, outgoing Mizoram CM Zoramthanga said: "Because of the anti-incumbency effect and the people are not satisfied with my performance so I lost. I accept the verdict of the people and I hope that the next government will perform well. It (the reason) is the anti-incumbency and Covid onslaught."

#WATCH | Aizawl: Outgoing Mizoram CM Zoramthanga says, "Because of the anti-incumbency effect and the people are not satisfied with my performance so I lost... I accept the verdict of the people and I hope that the next government will perform well... It (the reason) is the… pic.twitter.com/l8mN6aAXfo

— ANI (@ANI) December 4, 2023

The ZPM won 27 of the 40 seats in the Mizoram legislative assembly, including ousting incumbent and three-time Chief Minister Zoramthanga in the Aizawl East-I constituency. Among the notable ZPM victories is the party's CM face Lalduhoma, who won the Serchhip seat by 2,982 votes against his MNF competitor J Malsawmzuala Vanchhawng.

From becoming the first MP to be disqualified under the anti-defection law to being on the verge of becoming Mizoram's chief minister, 73-year-old Lalduhoma's political career has been all about overcoming adversity.

Lalduhoma, an ex-IPS officer who was in charge of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's security, is the Zoram People's Movement's (ZPM) main ministerial face.

The ZPM won all ten Aizawl seats as well as all four seats in Lunglei, Mizoram's second biggest town. Along with Zoramthanga, the MNF was defeated by Deputy Chief Minister Tawnluia, ministers Lalruatkima and R Lalthangliana, and the state's lone Rajya Sabha MP K Vanlalvena.

From 26 victories in 2018, the MNF is poised to drop down to 10 seats in the assembly this year, with nine wins and one lead. Notably, two of its victories were in West Tuipui and Tuichawng, both of which are strongholds of the Chakma ethnic group. The MNF has always positioned itself as a champion of Mizo nationalism, and this identity was widely emphasised in the run-up to the elections. The ZPM has taken over the place for a regional Mizo voice in the assembly, having grown from eight seats to 27.