Party to decide if it will go ahead with NDA & BJP-floated NEDA: Zoramthanga, President, MNF

Comfortably perched in the driver’s seat, former chief minister and president of the Mizo National Front (MNF) Zoramthanga said the party will decide if it will continue to be part of the NDA and the BJP-floated North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA). Playing to the gallery, he outlined measures like liquor ban to appease the Christian-dominated state’s voters. He told ET that his government would abandon the old Congress’ schemes like New Land Use Policy (NLUP) and New Economic Development Policy (NEDP) and launch a Social Economic Development Policy (SEDP). Excerpts:

How confident were you of winning?
I have been saying all along that we will win 25-30 seats. However, we won 26 seats. I had also predicted that Congress will not touch double digits and see, Congress stands completely decimated with five seats. There is a wave in favour of MNF and I sensed it.


Will you continue to be part of NDA and the NEDA?
Whether we will continue with NDA or be part of NEDA will be decided by the party headquarters. We will consult party leaders on this. BJP has no place in Christian-dominated Mizoram. Mizoram is a complex society. BJP has been contesting elections in Mizoram since 1999. However, it could manage to win only one seat this time.

What will be your priority as you take over the governance?
We will discontinue NLUP and NEDP and bring the SEDP for overall socio economic development of the state. There will be prohibition on liquor as desired by the church and people.

How much did the exodus of leaders from the Congress contribute to the party’s decimation?
Several leaders from the Congress left the party. Former home minister R Lalzirliana and former minister legislator Lalrinliana Sailo both left the Congress and contested elections and won. Desertion of these leaders contributed in a big way.

LOWEST MARGINS
Tuivawl- MNF’s Lalchhandama won against Congress’ R L Pianmawia by 3 votes

Lunglei East- MNF’s Lawmanwma Tochhawng won by 72 votes against independent Lalrinpuii

Lunglei West- MNF’s C lalringsanga of MNF won by 77 votes against Congress’ Chalrosanga Ralte

Aizawl South ii- Lalchhuanthanga (independent) won against MNF’s Denghmingthanga by 179 votes

Kolasib- MNF’s K Lalrinliana of MNF won by 279 votes against Lalfamkima (independent)

Hachchek- Congress’ Lalrindika Ralte won by 366 votes against MNF’s Lalrinenga Sailo

Lungelei North- MNF’s Vanlaltanpuia won against V Malsawmtluanga (independent) by 395 votes

Aizawl North-iii- MNF’s C Lalmuanpuia won against Congress’ CM Lal Thanzara by 434 votes

Hrangturzo- MNF’s Lalchamliana owon by 757 votes against Congress’ Vanlalawmpuii Chawngthu

Lawngltai East- MNF’s H Biakzaua won by 944 votes against Congress’ H Zothangliana