New Delhi: In a historic first, 32-year-old Baryl Vanneihsangi became the youngest MLA of Mizoram after winning the recently concluded state assembly election on Monday.


The Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) won a landslide victory in the northeastern state, securing 27 out of the 40 seats. The ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) won 10 seats. The BJP pocketed two seats, while the Indian National Congress managed to win only one seat.


A member of the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM), Vanneihsangi won the election from the Aizawl South-III constituency. She defeated her nearest rival F Lalnunmawia from MNF by 1,414 votes, according to ECI.


Following her election victory, Vanneihsangi conveyed an empowering message, encouraging women to pursue their passions. She emphasized that being a female should never be a limitation, urging women from all communities and societies to pursue their aspirations. 


Speaking to ANI, she said, "I just wanted to let all the females know that even if we're a female, it doesn't mean that this has to stop us from doing something that we like and we are passionate about. I would like to encourage, and also I would like to tell, send a message to all the females in any community and society that if you wanna go for it, then you can go for it."






"This is the victory of the people. The people who want change, the people who want to bring in more development. So, this victory is dedicated to all the people who have cast their votes for us. I would just like to say that let's join hands and work for the betterment and development of the state, not any personal favour, no nepotism, no corruption...Be honest and be right," she added.









Who Is Baryl Vanneihsangi?









Vanneihsangi started her career as a TV anchor.


The young politician has a significant Instagram following, surpassing 252k followers. Her Instagram bio describes her as a “TV Presenter/Hostess/Anchor/Politician”.


She holds a Masters in Arts from the North Eastern Hill University in Shillong and previously served as a corporator in the Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC), according to the affidavit in the EC.


Mizoram Creates History


In another first, three women candidates were elected to the 40-member Assembly.


Out of the three women, Baryl Vanneihsangi and Lalrinpuii are from the victorious Zoram People's Movement (ZPM), while Prova Chakma was elected from the Mizo National Front (MNF).


In the Aizawl South-III constituency, Vanneihsangi won the elections.


Lalrinpuii defeated Congress candidate Joseph Lalhimpuia by 1,646 votes in Lunglei East, while Chakma won the West Tuipui seat by 711 votes against Congress' Nihar Kanti Chakma.


Notably, in the outgoing Mizoram Assembly, there was no woman MLA at all, reported PTI.