Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma has asserted his willingness to resign if any tangible evidence ties him to the alleged financial irregularities surrounding the Lengpui land deal controversy. In response to claims that he accepted kickbacks, he challenged the opposition to substantiate their accusations. He stated, “If my involvement in this matter is verified with evidence, I will no longer consider myself fit to lead this state and will resign immediately.” The controversy arose following accusations made by Congress leader and former minister John Rotluangliana on February 13, who alleged that Lalduhoma was implicated in a scam involving substantial commissions, claiming that his intended share was Rs 14 crore, of which he reportedly received Rs 10 crore. Rotluangliana also contended that Lalduhoma requested this payment be made in gold.
In a local TV interview, the Chief Minister firmly denied the accusations of receiving commissions, emphasizing that these allegations harmed both his personal reputation and the integrity of his party, the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM). The land in question, located adjacent to Lengpui Airport and approximately 32 km from Aizawl, was acquired by the Indian Air Force (IAF) for establishing a base designed for fighter aircraft and refueling facilities. This acquisition has triggered numerous allegations and counter-allegations within the political landscape.
Opposition parties have claimed financial irregularities amounting to Rs 187.90 crore, arguing that standard legal procedures were overlooked to expedite the land acquisition process. They alleged that the compensation was disproportionately distributed, with two individuals, who were not the original landowners, receiving the majority of the compensation, while the actual landowners purportedly received little to nothing.
