Lal Thanhawla and others file nominations in Mizoram

NEWMAI NEWS - AIZAWL, Nov 8: Five-time Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla, Congress Ministers and other party candidates filed their nominations today for the upcoming State Assembly polls, one day ahead of the deadline. Elections to the 40-member State Assembly are scheduled to be held on November 28 and the last date for filing nomination papers is Friday. Lal Thanhawla filed nomination for Serchhip and Champhai South on Thursday, according to Congress spokesperson Lallianchhunga. While in Champhai the CM filed nomination in person, in Serchhip he filed nomination through his political agent, Lallianchhunga added.

Lal Thanhawla has successfully contested the Assembly elections nine times – in 1978, 1979, 1984, 1987, 1993, 2003, 2008 and 2013. He has been the Chief Minister since 2008. Previously, he was the CM from 1984 to 1986 and from 1989 to 1998. In 2013 Assembly elections, the 80-year-old Congress leader successfully contested his home turf Serchhip and Hrangturzo. Among the Congress Ministers who filed nominations on Thursday included Health Minister Lal Thanzara, Sports Minister Zodintluanga, Education Minister H Rohluna, Social Welfare Minister PC Lalthanliana, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister C Ngunlianchunga, Agriculture Minister KS Thanga and the lone woman Minister Vanlalawmpuii Chawngthu.

Ten other Congress candidates also filed nominations before Returning Officers of their respective constituencies. According to Lallianchhunga, at least 24 candidates belonging to Congress have so far filed nomination till Thursday. The ruling Congress will contest in all the 40 Assembly seats and field two candidates belonging to Chakma community. Eight Mizo National Front (MNF) candidates including former Education Minister Dr R Lalthangliana also filed nominations on Thursday. The MNF has decided to contest in all the Assembly seats. According to MNF leader Zodinsanga, 33 candidates have so far filed nominations till Thursday. The last date for withdrawal of candidature is fixed on November 14, while counting will be held on December 11.