Political temperatures in Mizoram are rising as senior Mizo National Front (MNF) leader Lalruatkima launched a strong attack on the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), declaring that the government is losing public confidence and will struggle to return to power in the 2028 Assembly polls. Addressing party workers at Serlui South in Kolasib district on October 31, the former minister claimed that the ZPM government has failed to fulfil expectations since taking office two years ago. He alleged that the ruling party has increased taxes and collected cess for road works without delivering visible development on the ground. According to him, disappointment among citizens is growing rapidly.“ZPM is in the ICU,” Lalruatkima said during his speech, suggesting that the government is in a politically fragile condition. He emphasised that people are looking for a dependable alternative and argued that the MNF remains the only credible option for the state.
The MNF leader added that public dissatisfaction would ultimately reflect in the next Assembly election. Lalruatkima also criticised the Congress, saying the party’s influence has been steadily weakening both in Mizoram and at the national level. He asserted that the MNF is set for victory in the upcoming Dampa Assembly by-election, saying the ruling ZPM has not chosen a strong candidate and that Congress is struggling to regain its footing in the state. “We are confident of winning the bypoll. People trust the MNF, and there is no other serious contender,” he told party workers. The Dampa by-election, scheduled for November 11, will see 20,790 voters — including 10,185 women — exercise their franchise. Counting of votes will take place on November 14.
Political competition in Dampa is intense, with the ZPM fielding singer-turned-preacher Vanlalsailova, while the MNF has nominated senior vice-president and former health minister R. Lalthangliana. The Congress candidate is former transport minister and party vice-president John Rotluangliana. The BJP has put forward Lalhmingthanga, a recent entrant to the party. The People’s Conference, led by former chief minister Brig. T. Sailo, has chosen party vice-president K. Zahmingthanga as its nominee.
