AIZAWL: Mizo National Front (MNF), the primary opposition party in Mizoram, has decided to field sitting Rajya Sabha MP K Vanlalvena (54), for elections to the state’s sole Lok Sabha seat.
This was confirmed by a senior party official on Thursday (March 21).
K Vanlalvena secured his position as the Rajya Sabha representative for Mizoram in June 2020.
The incumbent Lok Sabha member, C Lalrosanga of the MNF, has decided not to contest in the upcoming elections.
MNF will officially announce the name of its candidate on Friday (March 22).
Earlier, the MNF and Congress engaged in discussions aimed at forming a pre-poll electoral alliance to collectively challenge the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM).
However, following unsuccessful negotiations, both parties decided to pursue their electoral campaigns independently.
On Thursday (March 21), the Congress announced the candidacy of retired Mizoram Police Service (MPS) officer and former state home secretary Lalbiakzama, aged 64, for the solitary Lok Sabha seat in the state.
In the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in Mizoram on April 19, over 8.6 lakh electors, including 4.41 lakh female voters, are expected to participate in the electoral process.
ZPM has nominated entrepreneur Richard Vanlalhmangaiha, aged 46, who is new to politics, as their candidate.
Meanwhile, the People’s Conference (PC) party has selected well-known Mizo singer and lyricist Rita Malsawmi, aged 48, to represent them in the upcoming elections.
The BJP is also expected to unveil the identity of its candidate soon, as confirmed by Mizoram BJP president Vanlalhmuaka.