The ruling Congress party members during the release of the names of 36 candidates for the November 28 polls at a function held at Lal Thanhawla Auditorium, Aizawl on October 11.
We will make hat-trick, says CM Thanhawla
Newmai News Network
Aizawl | October 11
The ruling Congress party on Thursday announced names of candidates for the upcoming Mizoram assembly polls. Mizoram goes to the polls on November 28.
State Congress president and Chief Minister, Lal Thanhawla released the names of 36 candidates in a function held at Lal Thanhawla Auditorium here.
The names of four candidates are yet to be announced and will be released later as the Party is contesting in all the 40 assembly seats.
Congress has dropped eight sitting MLAs and brought in 12 new entrants, 33 per cent of whom are below 40 years of age.
Among the sitting MLAs who were dropped included minister, R. Romawia from Aizawl North-I; former Labour minister, Lalrinmawia Ralte from Hachhek; and Deputy Speaker, Lalrinawma from Aizawl East-I.
Among the fresh faces, Lalhmachhuana, (37), is the youngest. He replaced K. Lalrinthanga in Serlui constituency.
Chief minister, Thanhawla will contest from two constituencies- his home turf Serchhip and Champhai south.
He is likely to be tipped against Zoram People’s Movement’s chief ministerial candidate, Lalduhoma, People’s Representation for Identity and Status of Mizoram (PRISM) president, Vanlalruata and opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) nominee, C. Lalramzauva at Serchhip.
Of the 20 sitting MLAs, 19 will be re-fielded in their respective constituencies, while Dr Ngurdingliana, who represented Chalfilh has been shifted to Kolasib by replacing PC Zoramsangliana.
The CM will replace sitting MLA JH Rothuama in Champhai South.
New entrant and former Mizoram IGP, LT Hranghchal, who recently joined the Congress will contest from Chalfilh.
Debutante Rosiamngheta will contest from Tawi, the constituency represented by former Home minister and former Congress vice president, R Lalzirliana, who was expelled from the party on September 17.
Rosiamngheta is likely to be tipped against Lalzirliana.
In Tuichang, which is represented by sitting legislator Lalrinliana Sailo, who left the party and joined MNF recently, new entrant and Congress media department chairman, James Thanghmingmawia will be fielded. He is likely to be tipped against MNF senior vice president, Tawnluia.
Names of candidates in four constituencies- West Tuipui, Tuichawng, Siaha and Palak which fall under three autonomous district councils will be announced later.
Among the 36 candidates, 4 are below 40 years, 8 are between 41-50 years, 14 in the age group of 51-60, another 4 are between 61-70 years and 5 candidates including Lal Thanhawla are above 70 years.
Speaking to reporters after the official announcement of candidate list, Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla expressed hope that his party will retain power for the third consecutive term and added that anti-incumbency factor will not affect the party prospect.
“Though the people believe that there is no party that can form the government for the third term at the stretch, we will make a hat-trick. We are going to break the jinx,” he said.
He also said that the BJP wave would not dent the Congress’ prospect of winning the assembly polls as the people of Mizoram do not know Modi’s wave. He further said that his party is giving importance to youngster. “50 per cent of Mizoram population is youths. So we give due important to youngsters. Many old candidates have been replaced with younger ones this time, “ he said.
The Chief Minister also said that names of candidates in four constituencies are yet to be announced because the party gives due importance and respect to the autonomous district council, whose respective district committees have the autonomy to select candidates.
