Aizawl: Mizo National Front (MNF) leader Lalruatkima has launched a blistering attack on the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), asserting that the party has “no chance” of retaining power in the 2028 Mizoram Assembly elections.
Speaking at a party meeting in Serlui South block of Kolasib district on October 31, Lalruatkima accused the ZPM government of losing public confidence by increasing taxes and collecting cess for road construction “without any visible development.” He alleged that people across the state were growing frustrated with the government’s performance.
“ZPM is in the ICU,” he said, adding that only the MNF could provide stable governance in Mizoram. The former rural development minister also dismissed the Congress as a declining force, both in the state and nationally.
Expressing optimism ahead of the Dampa Assembly bypoll, Lalruatkima claimed that the MNF was the strongest contender. “The ruling ZPM has chosen the wrong candidate, and people have no faith in the Congress. There is no other party,” he stated.
Polling for the Dampa by-election will be held on November 11, with counting scheduled for November 14. The ZPM has fielded singer-preacher Vanlalsailova, while the MNF’s candidate is senior vice-president and former health minister R. Lalthangliana. The Congress is represented by former transport minister John Rotluangliana, the BJP by newcomer Lalhmingthanga, and the People’s Conference by vice-president K. Zahmingthanga.
The bypoll was necessitated by the death of sitting MNF MLA Lalrintluanga Sailo on July 21.
