Congress exodus in Mizoram continues. After resigning as MLA, former Mizoram heath minister as well as All India Congress Committee member, Lalrinliana Sailo on Friday joined the Mizo National Front. He was inducted to the party by the former Mizoram chief minister and MNF president Zoramthanga.
Sailo was the health minister of the Lal Thanhawla led government during 2008-2013.
The general headquarters of the MNF, Mizo Hnam Run, was packed with enthused MNF workers with amplified systems echoing MNF party’s theme song Zoram hi kan ram a ni.
Addressing the party gathering, MNF president Zoramthanga said the Congress is in a very critical situation. Sensing the critical condition of the party, leaders are deserting the Congress one by one, Zoramthanga said.
“After my resignation, I ponder which party I should join, I believe that the MNF, a homegrown political party suits me most,” Lalrinliana Sailo said.
Alleging his former president as ‘vice president killer’, Lalrinliana Sailo said Lal Thanhawla has a history of kicking out his vice president.
“Our home minister and Congress party vice president is one of the most modest politicians I have known, he even told Lal Thanhawla that he had no aspiration to become the chief minister, but then, politics within the party forced him to abandon his post, which eventually led to his eviction from the party,” Lalrinliana Sailo said.
“I have tried my best to be an obedient party man for the past ten years, but the internal tussle has left me no choice. AICC president Rahul Gandhi called me and persuaded me not to leave the party, but then, I have already made my decision,” Lalrinliana said.
Sources from the MNF said the ex-AICC member is being tipped to contest from Chalfilh constituency in the coming Mizoram Assembly election.