Aizawl, Jan 10: The Congress–MNF alliance has staked its claim to form the next executive body in the Lai Autonomous District Council (LADC) in south Mizoram’s Lawngtlai district, bringing an end to weeks of political uncertainty following the council elections.
MNF media and publicity cell secretary Lallenmawia Jongte said the two parties reached a post-poll understanding and constituted the United Legislature Party (ULP). The ULP elected C Lalsawmzuala as its leader, who subsequently staked a claim to form the new executive committee before Mizoram Governor Vijay Kumar Singh.
As per the agreement, the Mizo National Front (MNF) will hold the posts of Chief Executive Member (CEM) and Deputy CEM, while the Congress will assume the position of chairman of the council. Jongte said the ULP has the support of 15 members in the 25-member council, crossing the majority mark of 13.
The LADC had been in political limbo for over a month after the December 3 elections resulted in a hung house. Results declared on December 9 showed the MNF emerging as the single-largest party with eight seats, followed by the Congress with seven. The Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) won six seats, the BJP secured two, while two Independents, including former CEM V Zirsanga, were also elected.
The post-election period saw multiple political realignments. Although the MNF and Congress had a pre-poll understanding, the Congress withdrew after the elections, alleging attempts by the MNF to horse-trade elected members. A subsequent Congress–ZPM understanding also failed to materialise.
In another development, the MNF and ZPM formed the Lairam Legislature Party (LLP) on December 14 and staked a claim to form the executive body. However, the alliance collapsed earlier this week after the MNF pulled out, citing unresolved political differences.
With the Congress–MNF alliance now commanding a clear majority, the LADC is set to have a stable executive body after weeks of political flux in the strategically important autonomous council of south Mizoram.
