A major political standoff is brewing in Mizoram over the recent dissolution of the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC), as the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) strongly opposes the imposition of Governor’s Rule, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has come out in firm support of the decision. On July 10, the ZPM appealed to Governor Vijay Kumar Singh to review his decision to dissolve the council, calling it undemocratic and a violation of established norms. In contrast, the BJP defended the move, citing years of political instability, financial mismanagement, and corruption within the council. The CADC, established in 1972 under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution for the welfare of the Chakma tribal population in Mizoram, consists of 20 elected and 4 nominated members. Political turbulence has plagued the council for years. Between 2013 and 2023, the leadership changed hands 10 times, and in the current term alone, the council has seen two leadership shifts since 2023. Governor’s Rule was officially imposed on July 7, 2025, shortly after BJP leader Molin Kumar Chakma, who led the first-ever BJP executive body in the CADC since its formation, was ousted in a no-confidence motion on June 16. The ZPM, which now holds 16 of the 20 elected seats, had staked its claim to form the next executive committee. However, the Governor chose to suspend the council instead.
Home Minister K Sapdanga criticised the move, stating that the Governor had exercised his discretionary powers without considering the advice of the Council of Ministers. “This decision undermines democratic procedures,” Sapdanga said.In response, Delson Notlia, BJP Minority Morcha’s national secretary, dismissed the criticism as “unfortunate,” arguing that the Governor has full constitutional authority to act independently on matters related to Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). He added that the Governor’s decision has been welcomed by the people of the CADC, who have grown weary of persistent political drama and administrative breakdown. Notlia alleged that the CADC was riddled with financial irregularities, illegal appointments, and corruption. He also claimed that employees of the council have not received their salaries for the past five months, adding to public frustration. “Several Chakma organisations had appealed to the Governor and Chief Minister to suspend the council and initiate a probe,” he said.
The BJP leader further pointed out that the present political crisis escalated when 12 members, including Council Chairman Lakkhan Chakma, resigned from the BJP in June and joined the ZPM, leading to a dramatic power shift within the council. Governor Singh’s decision to impose a six-month Governor’s Rule, according to the BJP, was made after careful evaluation of the administrative vacuum and public appeals for reform.However, the ZPM sees the development as a deliberate attempt to suppress a democratically backed majority. “The people voted for change. The majority now supports ZPM. Dissolving the council despite this is not just questionable, it’s undemocratic,” a senior ZPM leader said.
