Congress gets simple majority in Mizoram

AIZAWL: Riding an anti-incumbency wave, Congress today stormed back to power in the north-eastern hilly state of Mizoram securing a simple majority in the 40-member house.

The party has bagged 21 seats so far with two times former chief minister Lalthanhawla winning from both Serchhip and South Tuipui seats.

Other prominent party winners are PCC Senior Vice President R Lalzirliana from the Tawi seat, Aizawl district Congress Committee President Lalrinliana Sailo from Tuichang seat, former ministers P C Zoramsangliana from Kolasib seat and Nirupam Chakma from the Tuichawng.

Ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) cut a sorry figure with Chief Minister Zoramthanga biting the dust in his home Champahi North constituency where he lost to a first timer and Congress candidate T T Zothansanga.

The party scored its first victory winning the lone East Tuipui seat with Urban Development minister B Lalthlengliana defeating his nearest Congress rival Thangchuanga by 454 votes.

MNF had 21 legislators in the 40-member House. The UDA also opened it account winning the Hrangturzo seat where its nominee Lalthansanga defeated his Congress opponent Ronald Sapa Tlau by 452 votes.