Mizoram: Congress faces tough challenge in Assembly polls
What's the story
After being in power for two consecutive terms, internal squabbles and anti-incumbency factor are making the situation difficult for Congress in Mizoram which is expected to face a tough challenge from Mizo National Front in the upcoming Assembly polls (November 28). Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla yesterday alleged that his former cabinet colleagues R Lalzirliana and Lalrinliana Sailo were "corrupt" when they were Ministers.
Major setback
Lalzirliana expelled from the Congress party, Sailo resigned
Lalzirliana, who was the state Home Minister, resigned on September 14 after he was served a show cause notice by the Congress's Disciplinary Action Committee (DAC). He was expelled from the party on September 17. The recent resignation of the former Minister Lalrinliana Sailo from the Congress is also seen as a major setback for the ruling party.
Action
Proceedings to be initiated against Royte over Rs. 200cr graft
Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla also hit out at Aizawl Football Club president Robert Romawia Royte, who recently joined the MNF, saying proceedings would be initiated against him regarding allegations of over Rs. 200cr graft while in government service. Royte, popularly known as 'Triple R', will contest the Assembly polls from Aizawl East-II seat against state Finance Minister Lalsawta.
Failure
Congress failed to decide candidates' list till announcement of poll-date
"The mood within the party is clear from the fact that its nomination committee has failed to make any decision till the announcement of poll date on Saturday, while MNF has already made public the list of candidates for at least 98% of the seats," sources in Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) said. In 1998, MNF and Mizoram People's Conference (MPC) combine defeated Congress.
Assembly elections
Congress won Mizoram elections in 2008, 2013
The Congress returned to power in 2008 by bagging 32 seats and again in 2013 by winning 34 seats in the 40-member Assembly. MNF Vice-President R Lalthangliana has claimed that many Congress workers would soon leave the ruling party following the footsteps of Lalzirliana and Sailo as they have to abandon the "sinking ship" being steered by Lal Thanhawla.