Mizoram CM Zoramthanga Confident In MNF's Re-Election Bid, Rules Out Alliance With BJP In State

Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga, who is the president of the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF), has exuded confidence in his party's ability to secure re-election in the northeastern state.

As voting unfolds across Mizoram to elect all 40 members to the 9th state assembly, Zoramthanga voiced his optimism while speaking to media in Aizawl on Tuesday (7 November).

A total of 174 candidates, including 16 women, are vying for the assembly seats.

The MNF, opposition Zoram Peoples Movement, and Congress are contesting in all constituencies, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded candidates in 23 of them.

Zoramthanga, a 79-year-old veteran in Mizoram politics, confidently stated, "I have full confidence that we will be able to form the government with absolute majority." He cast his vote in the Aizawl North-II seat and is himself contesting from the Aizawl East-I seat, as reported by Hindustan Times.

The MNF, although a part of the BJP-led NDA government at the center, has not formed an alliance with the JP Nadda-led party in Mizoram.

Zoramthanga clarified that there would be no tie-up with the BJP in case the MNF falls short of an absolute majority, asserting, "It won't be a hung assembly in Mizoram. It will be an MNF government. NDA is there at the Centre, but in Mizoram, we don't have any alliance with BJP or any other party."

On the subject of potential post-poll alliances, Zoramthanga revealed, "So far, the BJP has not approached us, and we have also not talked to them. We are a partner of the NDA at the Centre, but we support them based on issues only."

Additionally, the issue of refugees plays a crucial role in the MNF's election strategy.

Mizoram has offered shelter to nearly 33,000 refugees from Myanmar, approximately 800 from Bangladesh, and over 13,000 individuals displaced by ethnic clashes in Manipur.

Zoramthanga emphasized that the refugees' faith in the state government would benefit the MNF in the elections.

He stated, "The problem of refugees from Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Manipur who are taking shelter in Mizoram at present will be a big plus for MNF in this election because these people have faith in the state government. To give them food and shelter, it needs the MNF government in Mizoram."