AIZAWL: As Mizoram readies itself for the forthcoming Assembly elections, the political landscape is witnessing a flurry of shifting loyalties, marking the beginning of the classic pre-poll game of political musical chairs.
In a significant move on Friday, former Mizoram minister and a two-term MLA, K Beichhua, resigned from the state legislative assembly, setting the political corridors abuzz.
Beichhua, who represented the Siaha constituency for two consecutive terms since 2013 on a Mizoram National Front (MNF) ticket, submitted his resignation to assembly commissioner and secretary, Lalhmahruaia Zote. Revealing his future plans, Beichhua told the press that he is likely to contest the upcoming elections representing the BJP from Siaha.
Beichhua’s political trajectory saw him holding several key portfolios in the past, including social welfare, excise, and animal husbandry, in the Zoramthanga ministry.
However, he resigned from the Zoramthanga ministry on December 13 last year due to internal rift in the party. Furthering the rift, the MNF ousted Beichhua as a primary member on January 25, citing “anti-party” activities. This expulsion also involved N Viakhu, chairman of the Mara Autonomous District Council (MADC).
The legislator’s resignation follows another notable departure earlier this week. Congress MLA from Palak constituency, KT Rokhaw, not only relinquished his post as an MLA but swiftly shifted his allegiance by joining the ruling MNF.
Rokhaw now aims to contest the forthcoming polls from Palak, but under the MNF banner.
With these prominent political figures jumping ships before the upcoming Assembly polls, the electoral landscape in Mizoram appears dynamic.
A day before on October 4, while addressing the “phenomenon” of opposition leaders switching allegiance to the MNF ahead of the elections, Chief Minister Zoramthanga had asserted that such transitions are not unique to the pre-poll period.
He had cited previous instances of senior Congress leaders, including the current Assembly Speaker, Lalrinliana Sailo switching sides to the MNF.
