ZPM Breaks 36-year Dominance Of MNF And Congress, Lalduhoma Becomes CM

Lalduhoma, the leader of the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), took the oath as the new Chief Minister of Mizoram, marking a historic moment as he becomes the first leader outside of the traditional Mizo National Front (MNF) and Congress to hold this position.

The ZPM, a party that was only officially formed in 2019, achieved a remarkable victory in the Mizoram Assembly Elections by winning 27 of the 40 available seats. 

This victory is particularly noteworthy because the ZPM was a relatively new player in Mizoram’s politics, having secured only 8 seats in the 2018 elections. Their rapid rise in such a short span is quite extraordinary.

Lalduhoma, who is 73 years old, has an impressive background. He is a former Indian Police Service (IPS) officer and once held the responsibility as the security in-charge of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. 

His election as the leader of the ZPM Legislative Party on December 5 paved the way for his ascension to the Chief Minister’s post. 

Alongside him, other ZPM leaders also took their oaths as ministers, with the swearing-in ceremony being conducted at the Raj Bhavan complex in Aizawl.

This election result has broken the long-standing dominance of the MNF and Congress in Mizoram, which has lasted for 36 years. It’s a significant shift in the state’s political dynamics. 

The MNF leader and three-time Chief Minister, Zoramthanga, who lost his seat in the Aizawl East-I constituency, has already submitted his resignation to the Governor. 

The ZPM’s campaign was marked by its criticism of the MNF for losing its regional character by being a constituent of the NDA, positioning itself as the true regional party championing Mizo nationalism.

The ZPM’s victory was comprehensive, capturing all 10 seats in Aizawl and all four seats in Mizoram’s second-largest town, Lunglei. This sweep also led to the defeat of several prominent MNF leaders, including the Deputy Chief Minister and other ministers.

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This change in Mizoram’s political scene is a clear indication of the evolving nature of regional politics in India, and the rise of new parties and leaders who can challenge the established ones. 

Lalduhoma’s leadership and the ZPM’s future actions will be keenly watched, as they take on the responsibility of governing Mizoram, a state with its unique challenges and aspirations.