LADC political uncertainty

Stalemate in formation of a new government has continued to haunt the people living within Lai Autonomous District Council (CADC) which is placed under the governor’s rule since March 15 due to political crisis triggered by the resignation of Chief Executive Member (CEM) V. Zirsanga on March 7. Political stand-off continues as Zirsanga and the opposite camp has 12 members of district council (MDCs) each. Ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) sent a team of party leaders headed by state Agriculture minister PC Vanlalruata from Aizawl on Thursday which still failed to solve the political impasse in the LADC. Vanlalruata admitted that political consultations were held with other political parties but the logjam continues as the Mizo National Front (MNF) MDCs are still adamant against join hands with their opponents. He said that ZPM wants to have a popular government installed in the council in view of the sufferings of the people within LADC, but the MDCs failed to compromise their stands due to political and personal differences.

Adviser to Chief Minister (political) LalmuanpuiaPunte said that if the ZPM has tried to form the next government through unfair means like was done in the past, it could have formed it. “We do not want to impose or indulge in horse-trading just to capture power in the LADC as used to be done earlier, we rather want the politicians to undertake a change of heart in view of the hardships being faced by the people due to the absence of an elected government,” Punte said. LADC has 25 members which was reduced to 24 by the resignation of Dr. Lorraine LalpeklianaChinzah of the ZPM after his election to the state legislature. The political gridlock began when Zirsanga resigned on March 7, ten minutes before the special session of theLADC commenced to consider a no trust move against him by 13 members ofdistrict council (MDCs) which included 9 members of the ruling MNF.

The MNF won 20 seats of the 25-member LADC in the elections held on December 4, 2020. Trouble in the LADC’s MNF government began brewing after Zirsanga (65)was convicted under section 13 (2) read with 13 (1) (d) of Prevention ofCorruption Act, 1988 (PC Act) read with 120 B of Indian Penal Code (IPC) andsentenced to 4-year imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 4 lakh by the Special Court(Prevention of Corruption) in Aizawl on January 22 last.He was convicted for misappropriation of huge amount of funds while hewas holding the post of Executive Member (EM) Education in the LADC. Though 13 MDCs, who had earlier supported him, asked for a floor test to state governor Hari BabuKambhampati resulting in his resignation, one of the 13 MDCs rejoined the MNF camp causing the current political deadlock. EOM