By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: The ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) on Wednesday officially selected party spokesperson K Laltluangkima as its nominee for the forthcoming Rajya Sabha election from Mizoram.
The announcement was made by ZPM vice-president C Lalnunnema during a party programme held at the organisation’s headquarters in Aizawl. The election for Mizoram’s lone seat in the Upper House of Parliament is scheduled for June 18.
While the ZPM has finalised its candidate, opposition parties have not yet revealed their plans for the contest.
The Congress, which currently has a single representative in the 40-member Mizoram Legislative Assembly, is unlikely to enter the race. Party spokesperson Lalremruata Renthlei indicated that the Congress does not presently intend to nominate a candidate.
The ZPM enjoys a comfortable majority in the Assembly with 27 MLAs. The opposition benches are occupied by the Mizo National Front (MNF), which holds 10 seats, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has two legislators.
Meanwhile, the MNF is expected to announce its candidate in the coming days. Party treasurer Lalruatkima said discussions regarding the party’s nominee are underway.
With the ruling party holding a clear numerical advantage in the Assembly, the Rajya Sabha election is likely to be closely watched as opposition parties finalise their strategies ahead of the June 18 vote.