Mizoram’s lone Lok Sabha seat set to witness multi-corner contest

Guwahati: For the lone lok sabha seat of Mizoram, there is likely to be a multi cornered contest. Opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) has fielded Rajya Sabha member, K. Vanlalvena, as its nominee for the lone Lok Sabha seat in the state, the Congress nominated former police officer and ex-Home Secretary Lalbiakzama as the party's candidate, the ruling Zoram Peoples Movement (ZPM), which is contesting the Lok Sabha polls for the first time, has fielded entrepreneur Richard Vanlalhmangaiha,while the People's Conference has nominated Mizo singer and lyricist Rita Malsawmi.

MNF’s C. Lalrosanga, the sitting Lok Sabha member from the seat, had expressed his unwillingness to contest again, prompting the party to choose Vanlalvena. On Thursday, the Congress nominated former police officer and ex-Home Secretary Lalbiakzama as the party's candidate for the Mizoram Lok Sabha seat.

Earlier, the talks between the leaders of the Congress and the MNF to put up a joint fight in the parliamentary elections had proved inconclusive. Neither the MNF, nor the ZPM have any political ties with the BJP in Mizoram, though the former is a part of the BJP-led NDA at the national level. The ZPM, Congress, and the MNF are the main contenders for the seat.