AIZAWL: Mizoram Assembly Speaker and Mizo National Front (MNF) leader, Lalrinliana Sailo, made a significant political move by resigning from his position as a legislator on Wednesday.
Sailo, who secured victory in the Chalfilh seat in the 2018 assembly polls, cited his motivation as “ushering in development” in the state, revealing his intention to join the BJP.
The decision came after the ruling party denied Sailo a ticket for the upcoming 2023 elections scheduled for November 7. The local press reports suggest that his induction into the BJP is expected to take place on Thursday.
“The financial condition of Mizoram is not in good shape… I will join the party to usher in development in my state,” Sailo was quoted as saying by the press.
This shift in allegiance adds to the growing political dynamic in Mizoram in the lead-up to the state’s assembly elections.
Mizoram is gearing up for its 40-member Assembly elections, which will be held in a single phase on November 7, with the vote counting slated for December 3. Sailo’s move follows a recent flurry of political activity in the state.
In the last eight days, seven legislators have submitted their resignations, marking a notable trend in the state’s political landscape. Among them, Congress MLA K T Rokhaw and former minister K Beichhua stand out.
Rokhaw has joined the ruling MNF and is set to contest from Palak. In contrast, Beichhua, who faced expulsion from the MNF in January, will run from Siaha, his home turf, as a BJP candidate.
Adding to this political wave, on Tuesday, five Independent MLAs supported by the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) have also submitted their resignations. This evolving political landscape indicates a period of change and realignment in Mizoram’s politics.
Sources suggest that Sailo’s induction into the BJP is expected to occur during a function hosted at the party’s office in Aizawl tomorrow evening, marking another notable shift in the ongoing political developments in the state.
