In a significant political development in Mizoram, former cabinet minister Lalthangliana of the Mizo National Front has made a triumphant return to the state legislative assembly by winning the Dampa by-election on Friday.
Victory Margin and Political Comeback
Lalthangliana secured his victory by defeating ruling Zoram People's Movement candidate Vanlalsailova, a popular gospel singer, by a margin of 562 votes. This marks the seventh time that the political heavyweight will serve as a legislator, reaffirming his enduring influence in Mizoram politics.
The win holds special significance for Lalthangliana, who had lost his South Tuipui seat in the 2023 assembly elections to ZPM candidate and football star Jeje Lalpekhlua. That election had seen the ZPM wave sweep across the state, resulting in the ouster of the Zoramthanga-led MNF government after which the party was reduced to just 10 seats.
Experience Trumps New Promises
In his post-victory statement, Lalthangliana emphasized that his win represents a return to valuing political experience and seniority. "The ZPM had promised many things before the 2023 election, but the commitments are yet to be fulfilled. People are already dissatisfied after two years," he told The Indian Express.
The veteran politician highlighted his extensive political career, having been an MLA since the 1980s and serving as a cabinet minister for 15 years. He conducted an intensive campaign across the entire constituency multiple times after his nomination was finalized, connecting with voters who ultimately chose "experience and maturity" over unfulfilled promises.
Broader Political Implications
The bypoll outcome maintains the current composition of the 40-member Mizoram legislative assembly:
- Zoram People's Movement: 27 seats
- Mizo National Front: 10 seats
- Bharatiya Janata Party: 2 seats
- Congress: 1 seat
MNF leaders are interpreting this victory as a positive indicator ahead of two crucial local elections. Robert Romawia Royte, an MNF MLA, stated that the outcome reflects the changing mood of Mizoram's people after two years of the current government and will directly impact the upcoming Lai Autonomous District Council election next month and the Aizawl municipal corporation election early next year.
The Congress candidate, former minister John Rotluangliana, finished third in the bypoll, while the BJP's Lalhmingthanga came in fourth position. The Dampa bypoll result demonstrates that while the ZPM broke the decades-long pattern of power alternating between MNF and Congress in 2023, the MNF remains a formidable political force in the state.
