AIZAWL: The Mizoram National Front (MNF) has kicked off its campaign for the upcoming Mizoram Assembly polls with a bold claim of securing 30 out of the 40 seats.
Party chief and the state’s Chief minister, Zoramthanga, expressed his confidence in securing a majority and forming the next government in Mizoram. He boldly told the press, “We will win about 30 of the 40 seats in the upcoming polls.”
The MNF President also revealed his decision to contest from Aizawl East – I, the same seat he had won in the 2018 assembly polls. Additionally, Deputy Chief Minister Tawnluia aims to retain his Tuichang assembly seat, he added.
Earlier in the day, the MNF announced its list of candidates for the 40 Assembly seats slated for the upcoming elections. The roster includes two women and introduces 15 new faces.
Highlighting the quality of the two female candidates and expressing confidence in their abilities to secure their respective seats, Zoramthanga said that the party is committed to contesting all 40 seats, although notable figures such as Home Minister Lalchamliana and Assembly Speaker Lalrinliana Sailo have opted not to run.
Power Minister R. Lalzirliana and Tourism Minister Robert Romawia Royte have chosen different constituencies for this election, he informed.
The candidate announcements were made at a gathering in Aizawl on Wednesday, attended by thousands of party workers from Aizawl district and neighbouring areas.
Addressing the “phenomenon” of opposition leaders switching allegiance to the MNF ahead of the elections, Chief Minister Zoramthanga asserted that such transitions are not unique to the pre-poll period. He cited previous instances of senior Congress leaders, including the current Assembly Speaker, Lalrinliana Sailo switching sides to the MNF.
On Tuesday, Mizoram legislator KT Rokhaw, who had previously won from the Palak constituency on a Congress party ticket, resigned from the legislature ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.
Rokhaw’s decision to join the MNF followed consultations with constituents from Palak. He announced his intention to contest from the same constituency once more, this time as an MNF candidate.
