Mizoram elections- Opposition vying for change, Congress fighting on development plank

As the poll date is nearing in Mizoram, the ruling Congress is making all efforts to bear anti-incumbency in the state while the opposition lead by Mizo National Front (MNF) is canvassing for change.

Congress, which is ruling the state for the second consecutive term, is confident that it will come back to power for third consecutive term. The election will be held on November 28 for 40 assembly constituencies.

Congress, the opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) and the BJP have fielded candidates in all the 40 constituencies, while the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) will contest 35 seats.


Former Lok Sabha speaker, PA Sangma’s National People's Party (NPP) has fielded candidates in nine seats and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is contesting in five seats.

In the run up to polls, Congress in Mizoram is rattled by resignation of former home minister R. Lalzirliana and former minister and sitting legislator Lalrinliana Sailo and former speaker, Hiphei.

Congress is claiming that New Land Use Policy’ (NLUP), which was introduced to arrest the Jhum or shifting cultivation, has been a huge success. Against the target of 1.2 lakh families, the scheme has covered 1.68 lakh families.

In 10 years of Congress rule in the state, per capita income has increased by four times. In 2008 it was Rs 38,782 which was below the national average, claimed Congress.

Opposition claim that the scheme has only benefited Congressmen and large number of people is left out.

Congress has promised that it be launch a hybrid of NLUP if voted back to power.

The ruling and the opposition is crossing sword over alcohol. Congress is accused of promoting alcohol culture after in Christianity dominated Mizoram, in 2014 after 17 years of prohibition, the Congress government defying the powerful Presbyterian Church and organizations like the Young Mizo Association (YMA), replaced the Mizoram Liquor Total Prohibition Act (MLTP), 1995.

Opposition parties allege that there is increased number of Alcohol related death in state. Supporting the ban, MNF stated this is harming the social fabric and leading several families into financial mess.

Mizoram has a total electorate of 7,68,181 people including 3, 93,685 female voters.

There around 1,164 polling stations.

Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla is contesting from two constituencies Serchhip and Champhai South.

In 2008 out of 40 seats, congress begged 32 seats and again in 2013 assembly elections congress won 34 seats.