Mizoram’s ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) has accused opposition parties of focusing their political campaign on Chief Minister Lalduhoma instead of presenting their own policies. The party made the remarks as political activity begins to intensify ahead of the 2028 Mizoram Assembly elections.
The ZPM’s comments came during a press conference in Aizawl on September 25. Senior vice-president Dr Kenneth Chawngliana said opposition parties were mounting criticism against the ZPM government and particularly targeting Lalduhoma.
ZPM Says Opposition Should Present Its Policies
Chawngliana urged opposition parties to focus on their own programmes and policies for the 2028 Assembly elections. He said voters should be given an opportunity to compare the policies and programmes of different political parties.
According to the ZPM leader, the opposition’s current campaign is largely centred on criticism of Lalduhoma and the ruling party. He described this approach as a return to what he called an “old style of politics.”
The ZPM also said the government had undertaken several development initiatives since coming to power. Chawngliana argued that opposition parties should outline their own plans rather than concentrating primarily on the chief minister.
Party Defends Lalduhoma Amid Recent Controversy
The ZPM’s statement comes amid recent developments within the party. Lalduhoma was appointed president of the ZPM on September 21 after the party announced its new office-bearers for the 2026-28 term.
The appointment followed an amendment to the party’s constitution. The amendment removed the earlier restriction that prevented the chief minister from simultaneously holding an elected office-bearer position in the party. Lalduhoma now holds both the chief minister’s office and the party presidency.
The decision has attracted criticism from sections of the opposition and some senior figures associated with the ZPM.
Two Senior ZPM Members Resign
The controversy intensified after two senior members of the party’s Val Upa Council (VUC) resigned.
Former legislator Bualhranga and retired IAS officer Rin Sanga resigned from the council on September 21. The VUC is regarded as an important advisory and disciplinary body within the ZPM.
Bualhranga questioned the direction of the party and its decision to amend the constitution. He also criticised the move allowing Lalduhoma to serve as both chief minister and party president.
The resignations added to discussions about the party’s internal functioning. However, the ZPM leadership has rejected suggestions that the developments indicate a major internal division.
ZPM Rejects Allegations About Internal Functioning
During the September 25 press conference, Chawngliana said the party did not agree with the views expressed by the two former VUC members.
He also defended the VUC’s structure. According to him, the council is an independent 11-member body and its functioning is not controlled by political parties.
Chawngliana accused opposition parties of making what he described as false and fabricated allegations about the internal functioning of the ZPM. He maintained that such criticism would not affect the party’s unity.
The ZPM leadership has also appealed to its workers to remain restrained. Party workers were urged not to respond to allegations with offensive language on social media.
Opposition Has Raised Questions Over ZPM Government
Opposition parties have recently raised several issues concerning the ZPM government and Lalduhoma.
The Congress has criticised the government over its financial management. In September, the party alleged that the increase in the state budget had not translated into sufficient economic activity or benefits for ordinary citizens.
The opposition has also questioned the decision to appoint Lalduhoma as ZPM president. The Mizoram Pradesh Youth Congress Committee criticised the change in the party’s position on whether the chief minister could hold an organisational post.
The Youth Congress also raised questions about comments made by Lalduhoma while explaining the change in the party’s position. These claims and criticisms have been rejected or challenged by the ruling party.
Lalduhoma’s Dual Role Becomes Political Issue
Lalduhoma’s appointment as ZPM president has become a major point of discussion in Mizoram politics.
The party had previously maintained a position that ministers and the chief minister should not simultaneously hold elected party posts. The constitutional amendment changed that provision.
ZPM leaders have defended the change as a decision based on the party’s current requirements. Lalduhoma has also said that holding both positions was considered appropriate after reviewing the circumstances.
The development has created a new political debate within the state. Opposition parties have questioned the decision, while ZPM leaders have defended it.
Political Activity Builds Ahead of 2028 Polls
The next Mizoram Assembly election is scheduled for 2028. With more than a year remaining before the election, political parties have already begun strengthening their organisational activities and public outreach.
The ZPM has asked opposition parties to use this period to present their policies and programmes to voters. Opposition parties, meanwhile, are continuing to scrutinise the government’s decisions and leadership.
The latest exchange highlights the growing political contest in Mizoram. The debate is expected to cover the functioning of the government, the ZPM’s organisational changes and the policies that different parties plan to take to voters in the 2028 election.