The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced by-elections for eight Assembly constituencies spread across seven states — Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Telangana, Punjab, Mizoram, and Odisha — with polling scheduled for November 11 and counting of votes on November 14. Among these, the Dampa Assembly seat in Mizoram has drawn considerable attention as political parties gear up for what is shaping up to be a multi-cornered and closely watched contest. The by-election in Dampa, located in Mamit district along Mizoram’s border with Bangladesh, was necessitated by the demise of Mizo National Front (MNF) legislator Lalrintluanga Sailo, who represented the constituency until earlier this year. His passing has opened the field for a fierce political battle that could redefine the state’s political narrative ahead of the next general elections.
The Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), which currently holds power in Mizoram, has announced Vanlalsailova as its candidate. A preacher and popular gospel singer, Vanlalsailova contested from Dampa in the 2023 Assembly elections but lost to the MNF candidate. This time, he is back with renewed vigour, banking on ZPM’s governance record and the charisma he enjoys among youth and rural voters. The Mizo National Front (MNF), determined to reclaim its ground, has fielded Dr. R. Lalthangliana, a senior party leader and former minister, known for his administrative experience and long-standing political influence. For the MNF, a win here would not only mark a political comeback but also strengthen its claim to the Leader of Opposition post, which requires at least 10 seats in the 40-member Mizoram Legislative Assembly.
Adding another layer of competition, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has nominated Lalhmingthanga Sailo, a former Congress candidate who recently switched sides. The BJP hopes to make inroads in western Mizoram, particularly among Chakma and Bru (Reang) communities, who form a significant section of the population in Dampa and surrounding areas. Although the BJP’s presence in the state remains limited, the party views this bypoll as an opportunity to expand its political footprint in the Northeast. Meanwhile, the Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) is fielding John Rotluangliana, a senior vice president and former minister. For the Congress, which once dominated Dampa for decades, this election represents a test of revival. The party ruled Mizoram for several terms since it achieved statehood in 1987, and Dampa remained one of its strongholds until the MNF captured it in 2018.
