“It will be a MNF government. I have full confidence” says Mizoram CM Zoramthanga

The current Chief Minister of Mizoram, Zoramthanga, expressed confidence on Tuesday that his political party, the ruling Mizo National Front, will easily overcome anti-incumbency factors and retain power in the state. He emphasized that the refugees who have taken refuge in Mizoram will play a crucial role in MNF winning the Assembly elections.

Ahead of casting his vote in the Aizawl North-II seat, Zoramthanga said, “I have full confidence that we will be able to form the government with absolute majority.” Voting is taking place all across the state on Tuesday, to elect 40 members to the 9th state assembly. The incumbent MNF, their opposition Zoram Peoples Party, and the Congress have field candidates for all 40 seats, while the BJP is contesting with 23, and the AAP with 4.

“It won’t be a hung assembly in Mizoram. It will be an MNF government. I have full confidence in that. BJP is not an alliance partner in the state. NDA is there at the Centre, but in Mizoram, we don’t have any alliance with BJP or any other party,” said the Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga. However, the CM stated that an alliance may be sought if the Mizo National Front fails to secure the absolute majority. “So far BJP has not approached us for any post-poll tie-up and we have also not talked to them. We are a partner of the NDA at Centre, but we support them based on issues only,” added the CM.

Due to the ongoing ethnic violence in neighboring Manipur, several thousand people have sought shelter in Mizoram. The state of Mizoram has also provided refuge to people from Myanmar and Bangladesh. The Chief Minister believes that these refugees will play a significant role in the fate of MNF in Mizoram. "The issue of refugees from Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Manipur who have taken shelter in Mizoram will be a big advantage for MNF in the upcoming election because these people trust the state government. Providing them with food and shelter requires the MNF government's presence in Mizoram," stated Zoramthanga.

As of now, the 9th state assembly elections are taking place in Mizoram. The voters of the state will determine the outcome for all 174 candidates who have been nominated by various political parties. The election results will be announced on December 3, along with the other four states that will also go to the polls this month.