In the most recent elections, Mizoram resoundingly voted in favor of the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), a new political coalition.
It is a six-party coalition that has taken 27 of the 40 seats in the state Assembly and is led by former IPS officer Lalduhoma. Over the years, Mizoram was ruled by the Congress and the Mizo National Front, which was voted out. Strong anti-incumbency sentiment hurt the MNF, as both Deputy Chief Minister Tawnluia and Chief Minister Zoramthanga lost their seats.
Source: Deccan Herald
The BJP secured two seats, the Congress one, and the MNF ten. One of the reasons for the MNF’s failure was its choice to join the BJP-led NDA, which did not sit well with the public. Only in 2017 did a number of groups come together to form the ZPM. Lalduhoma has said that the group will not support any political party in the country. However, as per the announcement made by the state head of the BJP, his party “will participate in the new government which will be formed soon.”
Mizoram has encountered numerous issues. While some of them are more established, others are still emerging. The Northeast’s little states, with sparse populations and few resources, rely mostly on the Center. Mizoram is experiencing a financial problem despite receiving aid from the central government. Refugees from Myanmar, where a civil war has been raging for the previous 2.5 years, are flooding into the country.
Mizoram has been on edge due to the unstable situation in the neighbouring BJP-ruled state of Manipur, where ethnic conflicts broke out in May. The MNF government’s response to these issues was deemed inadequate. Dealing with them presents a significant problem for the new government.
Source: The Indian Express
The ZPM pledged to establish a government free from corruption and with young concerns at its centre. The voters found this appealing. With ties to the Chin people of Myanmar and the Kuki-Zo tribal people of Mizoram, MNF was deeply ingrained in ethnic nationalism. People may be able to see past themselves thanks to ZPM.
As a force for change, the ZPM gained the support of several civil society organisations. A few well-known civil society members ran for office as its candidates. If new forces provide a fresh agenda and fresh hope, people will accept them. It’s also intriguing to compare Zoramthanga to Lalduhoma. Lalduhoma, an IPS officer, played a crucial part in the discussions and the signing of the Mizoram Peace Accord in 1986, while Zoramthanga, a battle-wounded rebel leader, entered politics following the agreement. In order to keep his word, he will need to put in a lot of effort.
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