The political landscape in Mizoram is heating up as three major political parties prepare to announce their candidates for the upcoming Lai Autonomous District Council (LADC) elections. The ruling Zoram People's Movement (ZPM), Mizo National Front (MNF), and Indian National Congress (INC) are all set to reveal their nominees on Wednesday for the 25-member council.
Election Schedule and Key Dates
The State Election Commission has scheduled polling for December 3, with the current five-year term of the LADC concluding on December 18. The council headquarters is located in Lawngtlai district in southern Mizoram, which serves as the administrative center for the Lai autonomous region.
As of now, no candidates have filed their nomination papers, with the deadline set by the State Election Commission at 3 PM on Friday. This gives potential candidates a narrow window to complete their paperwork and formalities after the party announcements.
Party-wise Announcement Schedule
The ruling Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) will be the first to reveal its nominees, making the announcement at 11 AM from the ZPM general headquarters office in Aizawl. This timing positions them as the frontrunner in setting the political agenda for the upcoming elections.
Similarly, the Mizo National Front (MNF) will announce its candidates from the party headquarters in Aizawl, though the exact timing hasn't been specified. The Indian National Congress (INC) has chosen a different approach, opting to disclose the first phase of its candidate list at the Lawngtlai district congress committee headquarters in Lawngtlai town itself.
Current Political Scenario and BJP's Position
Interestingly, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been excluded from this coordinated announcement schedule. State BJP leaders have indicated that consultations are ongoing for candidate selection for the LADC election, suggesting they may announce their candidates separately.
Currently, the LADC is governed by the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), led by BJP's N Zangura, who assumed the role of chief executive member (CEM) on August 19. Zangura's leadership enjoys support from MNF, which is the largest party in the council, along with the lone Congress member of the district council.
Zangura's political journey has been particularly dramatic. He initially became CEM in May with MNF support but was compelled to step down following a successful petition by former CEM V. Zirsanga in the Gauhati High Court. However, he was reinstated after winning a floor test, demonstrating the volatile nature of the current political alliances.
The upcoming LADC elections are crucial for all political parties as they seek to consolidate their influence in the autonomous district council, which plays a significant role in administering the Lai community's affairs in southern Mizoram.
