Aizawl: Political uncertainty has returned to Mizoram’s Lai Autonomous District Council (LADC) after the Mizo National Front (MNF) withdrew support from its post-poll alliance with the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), casting doubt over the formation of the council’s executive body.
The MNF formally communicated its decision to Governor Vijay Kumar Singh, with party general secretary R Rohmingliana stating that support had been withdrawn from the Lairam Legislature Party (LLP), a coalition formed with the ZPM after the LADC elections.
The party cited unresolved issues within the alliance as the reason for the break.
The LLP was constituted on December 14 following an agreement between the MNF and the ZPM, under which ZPM leader T Zakunga was chosen as the alliance leader and staked claim to form the executive committee.
The power-sharing arrangement had allotted the post of Chief Executive Member and five executive member positions to the ZPM, while the MNF was to receive the chairman’s post, the deputy CEM’s position and three executive member slots.
MNF treasurer Lalruatkima said the party had waited for over three weeks for the Governor’s approval of the proposed executive committee but received no response.
“Since there has been no decision even after three weeks, we have decided to explore other options to form an executive body with the support of other parties,” he said.
Following the MNF’s withdrawal, the Governor’s office rescinded earlier orders appointing a protem chairman and scheduling the election of the council chairman, which were due to take place on Wednesday.
Officials said the move was necessitated as the LLP no longer commands a majority in the council.
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The LADC elections, held on December 3, resulted in a hung house. Of the 25-member council, at least 13 members are required to form an executive committee.
The MNF emerged as the single largest party with eight seats, followed by the Congress with seven.
The ZPM secured six seats, while the BJP won two. Two independents, including former Chief Executive Member V Zirsanga, were also elected.
Earlier attempts to form a stable executive body had also failed.
A pre-poll understanding between the MNF and the Congress collapsed amid allegations of breach of agreement, while subsequent talks between the ZPM and the Congress to form a joint executive committee did not yield results, prolonging the political impasse in the council.
