The BJP state unit Friday announced that the party would contest the Lok Sabha seat in Mizoram and also the Assembly by-election.

Mizoram has only one Lok Sabha seat. By-election to the Aizawl West-I Assembly seat is most likely to be held simultaneously with the parliamentary polls.

A press statement issued by the state BJP unit said that the meeting of the office bearers of the BJP Mizoram Pradesh, chaired by state unit president Prof John V Hluna took the decision on Friday.

"The names of the candidates for both the polls would be announced after the search committee, which will be constituted soon, makes its recommendations," the statement said.

The BJP state unit Friday announced that the party would contest the Lok Sabha seat in Mizoram and also the Assembly by-election. Mizoram has only one Lok Sabha seat.

The BJP state unit Friday announced that the party would contest the Lok Sabha seat in Mizoram and also the Assembly by-election. Mizoram has only one Lok Sabha seat. By-election to the Aizawl West-I Assembly seat is most likely to be held simultaneously with the parliamentary polls. A press statement issued by the state BJP unit said that the meeting of the office bearers of the BJP Mizoram Pradesh, chaired by state unit president Prof John V Hluna took the decision on Friday. "The names of the candidates for both the polls would be announced after the search committee, which will be constituted soon, makes its recommendations," the statement said.

BJP to contest Mizoram Lok Sabha seat: Party state unit

Congress' Shillong MP Vincent H Pala goofed up in Lok Sabha on Thursday while mentioning the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-forces-super-hercules-plane-joins-rescue-ops-in-meghalaya-high-power-pumps-airlifted-186965">trapped miners in Meghalaya</a>.

While moving an adjournment notice on the trapped miners in East Jaintia Hills district, the minister accidentally said&nbsp;Mizoram instead of Meghalaya.

"There was a need to rescue the miners trapped in Mizoram," the&nbsp;minister said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the minister on Friday said that he was quite sure that most of the miners, trapped inside the rat-hole mine in Meghalaya, have died.

"I’m very sure most people have died, I came to know from local people that there is no chance of people there, those who survive, they run away since the mining was illegal", he said.

"Earlier, the Central govt did not take seriously in sending the pumps, I hope with the new pumps coming they will be able to pump water, it will take minimum 2-3 days then we will be able to retrieve the bodies", he added.

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Congress' Shillong MP Vincent H Pala on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MeghalayaMiners?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MeghalayaMiners</a>: Earlier the Central govt did not take seriously in sending the pumps, I hope with the new pumps coming they will be able to pump water, it will take minimum 2-3 days then we will be able to retrieve the bodies. <a href="https://t.co/QUnJYRhi4I">https://t.co/QUnJYRhi4I</a>
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The miners have been trapped since December 13 inside an illegal mine that has been flooded in Meghalaya amid dwindling hopes of finding them alive.

The Indian Air Force on Friday ordered one of its transport planes to carry high-power pumps from Odisha for the aid of 15 miners who are trapped.&nbsp;

Rescue teams are posed with a challenge of clearing the water in the area first, subsequently proceeding with the rescue operation in the vertical mine shaft which will require the team to dig tunnels into the ground.

(With inputs from PTI) 
&nbsp;

Congress' Shillong MP Vincent H Pala goofed up in Lok Sabha on Thursday while mentioning the trapped miners in Meghalaya. While moving an adjournment notice on the trapped miners in East Jaintia Hills district, the minister accidentally said Mizoram instead of Meghalaya.

Congress' Shillong MP Vincent H Pala goofed up in Lok Sabha on Thursday while mentioning the trapped miners in Meghalaya. While moving an adjournment notice on the trapped miners in East Jaintia Hills district, the minister accidentally said Mizoram instead of Meghalaya. "There was a need to rescue the miners trapped in Mizoram," the minister said. Meanwhile, the minister on Friday said that he was quite sure that most of the miners, trapped inside the rat-hole mine in Meghalaya, have died. "I’m very sure most people have died, I came to know from local people that there is no chance of people there, those who survive, they run away since the mining was illegal", he said. "Earlier, the Central govt did not take seriously in sending the pumps, I hope with the new pumps coming they will be able to pump water, it will take minimum 2-3 days then we will be able to retrieve the bodies", he added. Congress' Shillong MP Vincent H Pala on #MeghalayaMiners: Earlier the Central govt did not take seriously in sending the pumps, I hope with the new pumps coming they will be able to pump water, it will take minimum 2-3 days then we will be able to retrieve the bodies. https://t.co/QUnJYRhi4I — ANI (@ANI) December 28, 2018 × The miners have been trapped since December 13 inside an illegal mine that has been flooded in Meghalaya amid dwindling hopes of finding them alive. The Indian Air Force on Friday ordered one of its transport planes to carry high-power pumps from Odisha for the aid of 15 miners who are trapped. Rescue teams are posed with a challenge of clearing the water in the area first, subsequently proceeding with the rescue operation in the vertical mine shaft which will require the team to dig tunnels into the ground. (With inputs from PTI)

'Trapped in Mizoram': Congress MP goofs up on Meghalaya miners in Parliament

The three-day session of the eighth Mizoram Assembly was adjourned sine die by Speaker Lalrinliana Sailo on Thursday.

The session, which commenced on Tuesday, witnessed administering of oath to the new legislators, who were elected in the 40-member state Assembly on November 28.

The House elected Lalrinliana Sailo, a four-time legislator as Speaker unopposed on the first day.

Governor Kummanam Rajasekharan delivered his customary gubernatorial address in the Assembly on Wednesday.

The Assembly paid tributes to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former legislator Chawngzuala and sitting legislator S Laldingliana after which Lalrinawma was elected unopposed as deputy speaker on the third and last day of the first session of the eighth Assembly.

The House adopted the motion of thanks on the speech of the governor after which the speaker adjourned the session.

The three-day session of the eighth Mizoram Assembly was adjourned sine die by Speaker Lalrinliana Sailo on Thursday. The session, which commenced on Tuesday, witnessed administering of oath to the new legislators, who were elected in the 40-member state Assembly on November 28.

The three-day session of the eighth Mizoram Assembly was adjourned sine die by Speaker Lalrinliana Sailo on Thursday. The session, which commenced on Tuesday, witnessed administering of oath to the new legislators, who were elected in the 40-member state Assembly on November 28. The House elected Lalrinliana Sailo, a four-time legislator as Speaker unopposed on the first day. Governor Kummanam Rajasekharan delivered his customary gubernatorial address in the Assembly on Wednesday. The Assembly paid tributes to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former legislator Chawngzuala and sitting legislator S Laldingliana after which Lalrinawma was elected unopposed as deputy speaker on the third and last day of the first session of the eighth Assembly. The House adopted the motion of thanks on the speech of the governor after which the speaker adjourned the session.

Mizoram Assembly adjourned sine die

Mizo National Front (MNF) <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/imposing-prohibition-on-liquor-repairing-roads-on-agenda-mnf-chief-after-assembly-poll-win-183258">leader Zoramthanga </a>was Saturday sworn in as Mizoram's new chief minister.

Zoramthanga was administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor K Rajasekharan at a ceremony here. The MNF president took the oath in Mizo language.

The Mizo National Front on Tuesday won the state assembly elections by bagging 26 out of 40 assembly seats. According to the official Election Commission data, Congress managed to bag five seats while the BJP got just one. Independent candidates captured eight assembly seats.&nbsp;

Expressing happiness over MNF's victory, party chief Zoramthanga said that his first priority will be to "to impose a prohibition on liquor, repair roads and implement Social Economic Development Programme (SEDP) which is our flagship programme."

Meanwhile, incumbent Mizoram Chief Minister and Congress candidate Lal Thanhawla lost from both his home turf Serchhip and Champhai South seat Tuesday, Election Commission sources said, news agency PTI reported.

Mizo National Front (MNF) leader Zoramthanga was Saturday sworn in as Mizoram's new chief minister. Zoramthanga was administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor K Rajasekharan at a ceremony here.

Mizo National Front (MNF) leader Zoramthanga was Saturday sworn in as Mizoram's new chief minister. Zoramthanga was administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor K Rajasekharan at a ceremony here. The MNF president took the oath in Mizo language. The Mizo National Front on Tuesday won the state assembly elections by bagging 26 out of 40 assembly seats. According to the official Election Commission data, Congress managed to bag five seats while the BJP got just one. Independent candidates captured eight assembly seats. Expressing happiness over MNF's victory, party chief Zoramthanga said that his first priority will be to "to impose a prohibition on liquor, repair roads and implement Social Economic Development Programme (SEDP) which is our flagship programme." Meanwhile, incumbent Mizoram Chief Minister and Congress candidate Lal Thanhawla lost from both his home turf Serchhip and Champhai South seat Tuesday, Election Commission sources said, news agency PTI reported.

MNF leader Zoramthanga sworn in as Mizoram's chief minister

Portfolios were allotted to the 12 members of the Mizoram council of ministers on Saturday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mnf-leader-zoramthanga-sworn-in-as-mizorams-chief-minister-184213">Chief Minister Zoramthanga </a>will hold charge of finance, political and cabinet, planning and program implementation, general administration, vigilance, public works and horticulture departments, a government notification here said.

Deputy Chief Minister Tawnluia was allotted public health engineering, urban development and poverty alleviation, animal husbandry and veterinary and department of personnel and administrative reforms.

R Lalthangliana was allocated health and family welfare, higher and technical education and commerce and industries departments, the notification said.

Former speaker Lalchamliana was given home, taxation and disaster management and rehabilitation departments while R Lalzirliana was allotted power and electricity, art and culture, land resources, soil and water conservation and district council affairs departments, it said.

C Lalrinsanga was allocated agriculture, irrigation and water resources and cooperation departments.

Other than the five cabinet ministers, six ministers of state were also sworn-in.

K Lalrinliana was given food, civil supplies and consumer affairs, local administration and fisheries departments while Lalchhandama Ralte was allocated school education, labour, employment and skill development, entrepreneurship and printing and stationery departments, the notification said.

Lalruatkima was given rural development, land revenue and settlement and information and public relations and K Beichhua got social welfare, excise and narcotics and sericulture departments.

T J Lalnuntluanga, a first-time legislator and advocate who defeated former chief minister Lal Thanhawla in Champhai South seat, was allotted law and judicial, parliamentary affairs, transport and environment and forests departments, it said.

Robert Romawia Royte, another first-timer and president of the Aizawl Football Club (ACF) which bagged the prestigious I-League trophy in 2016, was allocated sports and youth services, tourism and information and communication departments, the notification said.

Election to the 40-member Mizoram assembly had taken place on November 28 and Mizo National Front had won 26 seats. The Congress, which had been in power for the past two terms, was routed in the state, winning just five seats.&nbsp;

Portfolios were allotted to the 12 members of the Mizoram council of ministers on Saturday. Chief Minister Zoramthanga will hold charge of finance, political and cabinet, planning and program implementation, general administration, vigilance, public works and horticulture departments, a government notification here said.

Portfolios were allotted to the 12 members of the Mizoram council of ministers on Saturday. Chief Minister Zoramthanga will hold charge of finance, political and cabinet, planning and program implementation, general administration, vigilance, public works and horticulture departments, a government notification here said. Deputy Chief Minister Tawnluia was allotted public health engineering, urban development and poverty alleviation, animal husbandry and veterinary and department of personnel and administrative reforms. R Lalthangliana was allocated health and family welfare, higher and technical education and commerce and industries departments, the notification said. Former speaker Lalchamliana was given home, taxation and disaster management and rehabilitation departments while R Lalzirliana was allotted power and electricity, art and culture, land resources, soil and water conservation and district council affairs departments, it said. C Lalrinsanga was allocated agriculture, irrigation and water resources and cooperation departments. Other than the five cabinet ministers, six ministers of state were also sworn-in. K Lalrinliana was given food, civil supplies and consumer affairs, local administration and fisheries departments while Lalchhandama Ralte was allocated school education, labour, employment and skill development, entrepreneurship and printing and stationery departments, the notification said. Lalruatkima was given rural development, land revenue and settlement and information and public relations and K Beichhua got social welfare, excise and narcotics and sericulture departments. T J Lalnuntluanga, a first-time legislator and advocate who defeated former chief minister Lal Thanhawla in Champhai South seat, was allotted law and judicial, parliamentary affairs, transport and environment and forests departments, it said. Robert Romawia Royte, another first-timer and president of the Aizawl Football Club (ACF) which bagged the prestigious I-League trophy in 2016, was allocated sports and youth services, tourism and information and communication departments, the notification said. Election to the 40-member Mizoram assembly had taken place on November 28 and Mizo National Front had won 26 seats. The Congress, which had been in power for the past two terms, was routed in the state, winning just five seats.

Portfolios allotted to new Mizoram ministers

Counting of votes for the 40-member Mizoram Assembly will begin from 8 am on Tuesday amid elaborate security arrangements, state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Ashish Kundra said.

The election was held on November 28 and its result will decide whether Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla of the Congress will be able to return for a third consecutive term in office. Mizoram is the last bastion of the Congress in the northeast.

Counting will begin at 13 counting centres in the eight district headquarters, Kundra said Monday.

DIG (Northern Range) Lalbiakthanga Khiangte had earlier said there would be a three-layer security cordon manned by eight companies of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), the state armed police and unarmed police personnel during the counting.

In the 2013 elections, the Congress had won 34 seats, while its main opposition, the Mizo National Front (MNF), got five and the Mizoram People's Conference bagged one seat.

The Congress and the MNF have ruled Mizoram since 1987. The BJP also has set its eyes on the state this time as all other northeastern states are now ruled either by the saffron party or others supported by it. Sikkim's ruling SDF is also friendly with the BJP.

No party in the state has so far been able to form governments thrice in a row since 1987 when Mizoram became a full-fledged state.

The Congress and the MNF fielded 40 candidates each while the BJP contested in 39 seats. The Zoram Peoples Movement (ZPM), an alliance formed by two political parties and four groups, also contested in 35 seats.&nbsp;

Counting of votes for the 40-member Mizoram Assembly will begin from 8 am on Tuesday amid elaborate security arrangements, state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Ashish Kundra said.

Counting of votes for the 40-member Mizoram Assembly will begin from 8 am on Tuesday amid elaborate security arrangements, state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Ashish Kundra said. The election was held on November 28 and its result will decide whether Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla of the Congress will be able to return for a third consecutive term in office. Mizoram is the last bastion of the Congress in the northeast. Counting will begin at 13 counting centres in the eight district headquarters, Kundra said Monday. DIG (Northern Range) Lalbiakthanga Khiangte had earlier said there would be a three-layer security cordon manned by eight companies of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), the state armed police and unarmed police personnel during the counting. In the 2013 elections, the Congress had won 34 seats, while its main opposition, the Mizo National Front (MNF), got five and the Mizoram People's Conference bagged one seat. The Congress and the MNF have ruled Mizoram since 1987. The BJP also has set its eyes on the state this time as all other northeastern states are now ruled either by the saffron party or others supported by it. Sikkim's ruling SDF is also friendly with the BJP. No party in the state has so far been able to form governments thrice in a row since 1987 when Mizoram became a full-fledged state. The Congress and the MNF fielded 40 candidates each while the BJP contested in 39 seats. The Zoram Peoples Movement (ZPM), an alliance formed by two political parties and four groups, also contested in 35 seats.

Mizoram Assembly polls: Counting to begin amid elaborate security arrangements on Tuesday

The Election Commission on Friday ordered repoll at Ajasora polling station in Tuichawng Assembly constituency of Mizoram for non-functioning of EVMs on the polling day, an election official said.

The repoll will be conducted on December 4, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer H Lianzela said.

Over 300 voters could not exercise their franchise in the polling station due to persistent EVM snag on November 28, he said.

The Ajasora polling station belongs to the Chakma dominated Assembly constituency in Lawngtlai district of the state.

The Election Commission on Friday ordered repoll at Ajasora polling station in Tuichawng Assembly constituency of Mizoram for non-functioning of EVMs on the polling day, an election official said.

The Election Commission on Friday ordered repoll at Ajasora polling station in Tuichawng Assembly constituency of Mizoram for non-functioning of EVMs on the polling day, an election official said. The repoll will be conducted on December 4, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer H Lianzela said. Over 300 voters could not exercise their franchise in the polling station due to persistent EVM snag on November 28, he said. The Ajasora polling station belongs to the Chakma dominated Assembly constituency in Lawngtlai district of the state.

Election Commission orders repoll in Ajasora polling station in Mizoram

Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram went to the polls Wednesday morning.&nbsp;

Amid tight security, polling for Mizoram's 40-member <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mizoram-polls-litmus-test-for-cm-thanhawla-bjp-looks-to-uproot-congress-from-last-bastion-in-northeast-179767">legislative assembly</a>&nbsp;began at 7 am. Madhya Pradesh went to the polls an hour later at 8 am, apart from the Maoist-affected Balaghat district where polling again began at 7 am. Starting an hour earlier will also polling to end before it gets dark.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mizoram-polls-litmus-test-for-cm-thanhawla-bjp-looks-to-uproot-congress-from-last-bastion-in-northeast-179767">Mizoram</a> is one of three states currently under Congress rule, while the BJP has been in power in Madhya&nbsp;Pradesh for the last 15 years. The BJP has never formed a government in Mizoram.

The Congress and the MNF (Mizoram's second party) are contesting all 40 constituencies in the state, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is fighting in 39 seats.

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Voting for 40 constituencies in Mizoram begins. Polling to conclude at 4 pm. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MizoramElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MizoramElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/7wHPcVQLsL">pic.twitter.com/7wHPcVQLsL</a>
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The battle for power in Madhya Pradesh's 230 seats is mainly between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP) are also in the fray.&nbsp;

The BJP has fielded candidates in all 230 seats, while the Congress is contesting 229 seats.

In the last polls, of the 230 seats, the BJP won 165, the Congress 58, the BSP four, and Independents three.&nbsp;

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Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan prays on the banks of Narmada river, in Budhni. Voting in the state is underway. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadhyaPradeshElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadhyaPradeshElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/Hh9hjNds8Y">pic.twitter.com/Hh9hjNds8Y</a>
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Congress leader Kamal Nath offers prayers at a Hanuman temple in Chhindwara <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadhyaPradeshElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadhyaPradeshElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/tjdOwNrwtJ">pic.twitter.com/tjdOwNrwtJ</a>
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I have full faith in the people of Madhya Pradesh, they are simple and innocent people who have been robbed for a long time by BJP: Kamal Nath, Congress <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadhyaPradeshElections2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadhyaPradeshElections2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/t7J1mxan9u">pic.twitter.com/t7J1mxan9u</a>
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In the previous election in 2013 in Mizoram, the Congress had fielded 40 candidates while it won 34 seats, whereas Mizo National Front (MNF) secured only five seats after contesting 31 seats.

Mizoram People's Conference (MPC) had contested on eight seats but it managed to bag only one.

The elections are being fought between&nbsp;209 candidates.

The Congress party, which has been in power in Mizoram since 2008, is eyeing a third consecutive term in the state.

Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla is contesting from two seats - Serchhip and Champhai South. In Serchhip, Thanhawla will be contesting against Zoram People`s Movement`s (ZPM) chief ministerial candidate Lalduhoma, Mizo National Front (MNF) nominee C Lalramzauva and People`s Representation for Identity and Status of Mizoram (PRISM) party chief Vanlalruata among others.

In the Champhai South, the incumbent Chief Minister would contest against MNF`s T J Lalnuntluanga and ZPM`s C Lalremliana.

Preparations have also been made&nbsp;for 12,026 Bru refugees who are lodged in six relief camps of Tripura to cast their votes at Kanhmun village in Mamit district where 15 temporary polling stations have been set up.

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Mizoram: Visuals from a polling station in Zarkawt, Aizawl. Polling for the 40 constituencies in the state will begin at 7 am. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MizoramElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MizoramElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/BnKJsWf36E">pic.twitter.com/BnKJsWf36E</a>
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An elderly woman after casting her vote at a polling station in Kanhmun <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MizoramElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MizoramElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/95FxeIAyVb">pic.twitter.com/95FxeIAyVb</a>
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The results will be announced on December 11.

(With inputs from agencies)

Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram went to the polls Wednesday morning. Amid tight security, polling for Mizoram's 40-member legislative assembly began at 7 am. Madhya Pradesh went to the polls an hour later at 8 am, apart from the Maoist-affected Balaghat district where polling again began at 7 am.

Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram went to the polls Wednesday morning. Amid tight security, polling for Mizoram's 40-member legislative assembly began at 7 am. Madhya Pradesh went to the polls an hour later at 8 am, apart from the Maoist-affected Balaghat district where polling again began at 7 am. Starting an hour earlier will also polling to end before it gets dark. Mizoram is one of three states currently under Congress rule, while the BJP has been in power in Madhya Pradesh for the last 15 years. The BJP has never formed a government in Mizoram. The Congress and the MNF (Mizoram's second party) are contesting all 40 constituencies in the state, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is fighting in 39 seats. Voting for 40 constituencies in Mizoram begins. Polling to conclude at 4 pm. #MizoramElections pic.twitter.com/7wHPcVQLsL — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × The battle for power in Madhya Pradesh's 230 seats is mainly between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP) are also in the fray. The BJP has fielded candidates in all 230 seats, while the Congress is contesting 229 seats. In the last polls, of the 230 seats, the BJP won 165, the Congress 58, the BSP four, and Independents three. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan prays on the banks of Narmada river, in Budhni. Voting in the state is underway. #MadhyaPradeshElections2018 pic.twitter.com/Hh9hjNds8Y — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × Congress leader Kamal Nath offers prayers at a Hanuman temple in Chhindwara #MadhyaPradeshElections2018 pic.twitter.com/tjdOwNrwtJ — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × I have full faith in the people of Madhya Pradesh, they are simple and innocent people who have been robbed for a long time by BJP: Kamal Nath, Congress #MadhyaPradeshElections2018 pic.twitter.com/t7J1mxan9u — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × In the previous election in 2013 in Mizoram, the Congress had fielded 40 candidates while it won 34 seats, whereas Mizo National Front (MNF) secured only five seats after contesting 31 seats. Mizoram People's Conference (MPC) had contested on eight seats but it managed to bag only one. The elections are being fought between 209 candidates. The Congress party, which has been in power in Mizoram since 2008, is eyeing a third consecutive term in the state. Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla is contesting from two seats - Serchhip and Champhai South. In Serchhip, Thanhawla will be contesting against Zoram People`s Movement`s (ZPM) chief ministerial candidate Lalduhoma, Mizo National Front (MNF) nominee C Lalramzauva and People`s Representation for Identity and Status of Mizoram (PRISM) party chief Vanlalruata among others. In the Champhai South, the incumbent Chief Minister would contest against MNF`s T J Lalnuntluanga and ZPM`s C Lalremliana. Preparations have also been made for 12,026 Bru refugees who are lodged in six relief camps of Tripura to cast their votes at Kanhmun village in Mamit district where 15 temporary polling stations have been set up. Mizoram: Visuals from a polling station in Zarkawt, Aizawl. Polling for the 40 constituencies in the state will begin at 7 am. #MizoramElections pic.twitter.com/BnKJsWf36E — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × An elderly woman after casting her vote at a polling station in Kanhmun #MizoramElections pic.twitter.com/95FxeIAyVb — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × The results will be announced on December 11. (With inputs from agencies)

Assembly elections 2018: Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram go to the polls

Altogether 74.61 per cent voters exercised their franchise in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections Wednesday, while that in the northeastern state Mizoram was recorded as 75 per cent.

The turnout till 3 pm was recorded as 50 per cent in MP while 58 per cent in Mizoram.

In the 2013 Assembly election, 72.69 per cent turnout was recorded, an election official said.

The polling Wednesday was marred by complaints of faulty Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVVPAT) machines. Poll officials said 1,145 EVMs and 1,545 VVPATs were replaced after complaints of technical snags.

Polling was held between 8 am and 5 pm in 227 seats, while in three assembly segments - Lanji, Paraswada and Baihar - in the Naxal-affected Balaghat district, the voting time was between 7 am to 3 pm, state Chief Electoral Officer V L Kantha Rao said.

About 2.5 per cent (polling) machines were replaced, Rao said, adding this percentage was around two per cent in other states where elections were held recently.

Three employees died due to "health reasons" while performing poll duty in Dhar, Indore and Guna districts, he said.

At Gadhpura village in Bhind district, a person was injured in violence but it was not poll-related, he said. The incident happened "far from the booth" and was related to enmity between two groups, he added.

Asked about reports that some EVMs were found in a hotel, Rao said, "We have got the information that a sector officer in Shujalpur was staying in a hotel along with ballot machines. On getting information, the officers reached the hotel and seized the machine. The officer concerned was removed (from poll duty) and the polling team was sent along with a new sector officer."

The battle of ballots in Madhya Pradesh is just months ahead of the Lok Sabha polls slated in the first half of 2019.

Altogether 2,899 candidates were in the fray. The state has 5.04 crore, eligible voters.

Also, 3,00,782 government employees, including 45,904 women, were on poll duty and 65,341 polling stations were set up.

75 per cent polling in Mizoram

Around 75 per cent votes were cast in the Mizoram assembly polls on Wednesday but the figure is expected to rise as there were long queues of voters outside polling booths to exercise their franchise, Chief Electoral Officer Ashish Kundra said.

Polling was held in all the 40 assembly seats.

Kundra told reporters that the highest turnout of 81 per cent was reported at Serchhip seat, where Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla is one of the contestants.

At Kanhmun village in Mamit district bordering Tripura where Bru refugees lodged in Tripura camps cast their votes, 52 per cent of the 118987 electorates exercised their franchise, he said.

"This is satisfactory considering the circumstances," he said.

The polling in Kanhmun ended at 3 pm, while for the rest of the state the time was 4 pm.

Altogether 74.61 per cent voters exercised their franchise in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections Wednesday, while that in the northeastern state Mizoram was recorded as 75 per cent.

Altogether 74.61 per cent voters exercised their franchise in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections Wednesday, while that in the northeastern state Mizoram was recorded as 75 per cent. The turnout till 3 pm was recorded as 50 per cent in MP while 58 per cent in Mizoram. In the 2013 Assembly election, 72.69 per cent turnout was recorded, an election official said. The polling Wednesday was marred by complaints of faulty Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVVPAT) machines. Poll officials said 1,145 EVMs and 1,545 VVPATs were replaced after complaints of technical snags. Polling was held between 8 am and 5 pm in 227 seats, while in three assembly segments - Lanji, Paraswada and Baihar - in the Naxal-affected Balaghat district, the voting time was between 7 am to 3 pm, state Chief Electoral Officer V L Kantha Rao said. About 2.5 per cent (polling) machines were replaced, Rao said, adding this percentage was around two per cent in other states where elections were held recently. Three employees died due to "health reasons" while performing poll duty in Dhar, Indore and Guna districts, he said. At Gadhpura village in Bhind district, a person was injured in violence but it was not poll-related, he said. The incident happened "far from the booth" and was related to enmity between two groups, he added. Asked about reports that some EVMs were found in a hotel, Rao said, "We have got the information that a sector officer in Shujalpur was staying in a hotel along with ballot machines. On getting information, the officers reached the hotel and seized the machine. The officer concerned was removed (from poll duty) and the polling team was sent along with a new sector officer." The battle of ballots in Madhya Pradesh is just months ahead of the Lok Sabha polls slated in the first half of 2019. Altogether 2,899 candidates were in the fray. The state has 5.04 crore, eligible voters. Also, 3,00,782 government employees, including 45,904 women, were on poll duty and 65,341 polling stations were set up. 75 per cent polling in Mizoram Around 75 per cent votes were cast in the Mizoram assembly polls on Wednesday but the figure is expected to rise as there were long queues of voters outside polling booths to exercise their franchise, Chief Electoral Officer Ashish Kundra said. Polling was held in all the 40 assembly seats. Kundra told reporters that the highest turnout of 81 per cent was reported at Serchhip seat, where Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla is one of the contestants. At Kanhmun village in Mamit district bordering Tripura where Bru refugees lodged in Tripura camps cast their votes, 52 per cent of the 118987 electorates exercised their franchise, he said. "This is satisfactory considering the circumstances," he said. The polling in Kanhmun ended at 3 pm, while for the rest of the state the time was 4 pm.

Assembly Elections 2018: MP registers 74.61% voter turnout, Mizoram 75%

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The voter turnout in Madhya Pradesh till 3 pm was recorded as 50 per cent, while that in the northeastern state was recorded as 58 per cent in Mizoram.

The turnout till 1 pm was recorded as 27 per cent in MP while 49 per cent in Mizoram.

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Regret Pak chose to politicise Kartarpur ceremony by making unwarranted reference to J&K: India India today reacted strongly after Pakistan PM Imran Khan said the Kashmir issue can be solved during his speech after laying the foundation stone of the Kartarpur corridor.

Regret Pak chose to politicise Kartarpur ceremony by making unwarranted reference to J&K: India India today reacted strongly after Pakistan PM Imran Khan said the Kashmir issue can be solved during his speech after laying the foundation stone of the Kartarpur corridor. CBI vs CBI: Delhi High Court allows Alok Verma, A K Sharma to inspect Rakesh Asthana's case files The Delhi High Court on Wednesday allowed CBI Director Alok Verma and Joint Director A K Sharma to inspect in the CVC's office the case file relating to FIR against the agency's Special Director Rakesh Asthana. Navjot Sidhu should contest election in Pakistan's Punjab, he will win surely, says Imran Khan Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday said that former cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu is so popular in Pakistan that he can contest and win an election here. Assembly polls: Madhya Pradesh registers 50% voter turnout, Mizoram 58% till 3 pm The voter turnout in Madhya Pradesh till 3 pm was recorded as 50 per cent, while that in the northeastern state was recorded as 58 per cent in Mizoram. The turnout till 1 pm was recorded as 27 per cent in MP while 49 per cent in Mizoram. Republican Hyde-Smith wins racially charged US Senate race in Mississippi Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith won a US Senate special election runoff in conservative Mississippi on Tuesday, defeating a black challenger after a campaign that recalled the history of racist violence in the deep South state.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The voter turnout in Madhya Pradesh till 3 pm was recorded as 50 per cent, while that in the northeastern state was recorded as 58 per cent in Mizoram.

The turnout till 1 pm was recorded as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/assembly-election-2018-madhya-pradesh-registers-21-voter-turnout-mizoram-29-till-11-am-179928">27 per cent in MP while 49 per cent in Mizoram.</a>

The two states are undergoing polls to elect their legislative members.

Mizoram, one of the four states where the Congress is in power at present besides Punjab and the union territory of Puducherry and part of a coalition in Karnataka, is the last remaining bastion for Congress in the northeast.

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Office of Chief Electoral Officer: 58% voter turnout recorded till 3 pm in Mizoram. <a href="https://t.co/RBTlRG4vlR">pic.twitter.com/RBTlRG4vlR</a>
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The campaign has been high decibel, often marked by bitter personal attacks, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi leading the charge of their parties.

In Madhya Pradesh, the contest is mainly between the BJP and Congress through the Bahujan Samaj Party and Samajwadi Party are also in the fray.

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Office of Chief Electoral Officer: 50% voter turnout recorded till 3 pm in Madhya Pradesh. <a href="https://t.co/EygrEhDZxa">pic.twitter.com/EygrEhDZxa</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1067717864428380160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Apart from Modi`s appeal, the BJP is banking on the image of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and its organisational structure. Party President Amit Shah, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and union ministers Rajnath Singh, Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley campaigned in the state.&nbsp;

The voter turnout in Madhya Pradesh till 3 pm was recorded as 50 per cent, while that in the northeastern state was recorded as 58 per cent in Mizoram. The turnout till 1 pm was recorded as 27 per cent in MP while 49 per cent in Mizoram.

The voter turnout in Madhya Pradesh till 3 pm was recorded as 50 per cent, while that in the northeastern state was recorded as 58 per cent in Mizoram. The turnout till 1 pm was recorded as 27 per cent in MP while 49 per cent in Mizoram. The two states are undergoing polls to elect their legislative members. Mizoram, one of the four states where the Congress is in power at present besides Punjab and the union territory of Puducherry and part of a coalition in Karnataka, is the last remaining bastion for Congress in the northeast. Office of Chief Electoral Officer: 58% voter turnout recorded till 3 pm in Mizoram. pic.twitter.com/RBTlRG4vlR — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × The campaign has been high decibel, often marked by bitter personal attacks, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi leading the charge of their parties. In Madhya Pradesh, the contest is mainly between the BJP and Congress through the Bahujan Samaj Party and Samajwadi Party are also in the fray. Office of Chief Electoral Officer: 50% voter turnout recorded till 3 pm in Madhya Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/EygrEhDZxa — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × Apart from Modi`s appeal, the BJP is banking on the image of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and its organisational structure. Party President Amit Shah, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and union ministers Rajnath Singh, Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley campaigned in the state.

Assembly polls: Madhya Pradesh registers 50% voter turnout, Mizoram 58% till 3 pm

This Mizoram family of 181 share bond of love under one roof

The voter turnout in Madhya Pradesh till 1 pm was recorded as 27 per cent, while that in the northeastern state was recorded as 49 per cent in Mizoram.

The turnout&nbsp;till&nbsp;11 am was recorded as 21 per cent in MP while 29 per cent in Mizoram.

The two states are undergoing<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/assembly-elections-2018-polling-begins-in-mizoram-179865"> polls</a> to elect their legislative members.

Amid tight security, polling for Mizoram's 40-member&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mizoram-polls-litmus-test-for-cm-thanhawla-bjp-looks-to-uproot-congress-from-last-bastion-in-northeast-179767">legislative assembly</a>&nbsp;began at 7 am, while Madhya Pradesh went to the polls an hour later at 8 am.

However,&nbsp;Maoist-affected Balaghat district in MP went to poll at 7 am.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mizoram-polls-litmus-test-for-cm-thanhawla-bjp-looks-to-uproot-congress-from-last-bastion-in-northeast-179767">Mizoram</a>&nbsp;is one of three states currently under Congress rule, while the BJP has been in power in Madhya&nbsp;Pradesh for the last 15 years. The BJP has never formed a government in Mizoram.

The Congress and the MNF (Mizoram's second party) are contesting all 40 constituencies in the state, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is fighting in 39 seats.

The battle for power in Madhya Pradesh's 230 seats is mainly between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP) are also in the fray.&nbsp;

The BJP has fielded candidates in all 230 seats, while the Congress is contesting 229 seats.

Congress leader&nbsp;Jyotiraditya Scindia said that he had written to the Election Commission&nbsp;demanding an extension of voting in Madhya Pradesh after several complaints of EVM malfunctioning were reported in the polling booth.&nbsp;

Shivraj Singh Chauhan who had been ruling the state for the past three terms expressed his confidence over winning the elections for the fourth time.

He said, "We’re 100 per cent certain that BJP will forma government with an absolute majority. We have set a target of 200 seats and our lakhs of volunteers are working to make it a reality".

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We’re 100% certain that BJP will form government with an absolute majority. We have set a target of 200 seats and our lakhs of volunteers are working to make it a reality: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan after casting his vote in Budhni <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadhyaPradeshElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadhyaPradeshElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/RNQMYXBFQs">pic.twitter.com/RNQMYXBFQs</a>
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While Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia said, "I&nbsp;assure you that on 11th December Congress will form the government with the blessings of the people".&nbsp;

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I assure you that on 11th December Congress will form the government with the blessings of the people: Jyotiraditya Scindia after casting his vote at a polling booth in Gwalior <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadhyaPradeshElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadhyaPradeshElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/AeswowBZTU">pic.twitter.com/AeswowBZTU</a>
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The election day also witnessed an unfortunate death of one election commission in Guna while two others in Indore.&nbsp;

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One Election Commission official in Guna, and two in Indore have passed away due to cardiac arrest <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadhyaPradeshElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadhyaPradeshElections</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1067644614021181440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Update?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Update</a> Election Commission announces Rs 10 lakh each compensation for the kin of the EC officials who passed away while on election duty <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MadhyaPradeshElections?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MadhyaPradeshElections</a> <a href="https://t.co/7Qv1XJvwIS">https://t.co/7Qv1XJvwIS</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1067658619846578176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The voter turnout in Madhya Pradesh till 1 pm was recorded as 27 per cent, while that in the northeastern state was recorded as 49 per cent in Mizoram. The turnout till 11 am was recorded as 21 per cent in MP while 29 per cent in Mizoram.

The voter turnout in Madhya Pradesh till 1 pm was recorded as 27 per cent, while that in the northeastern state was recorded as 49 per cent in Mizoram. The turnout till 11 am was recorded as 21 per cent in MP while 29 per cent in Mizoram. The two states are undergoing polls to elect their legislative members. Amid tight security, polling for Mizoram's 40-member legislative assembly began at 7 am, while Madhya Pradesh went to the polls an hour later at 8 am. However, Maoist-affected Balaghat district in MP went to poll at 7 am. Mizoram is one of three states currently under Congress rule, while the BJP has been in power in Madhya Pradesh for the last 15 years. The BJP has never formed a government in Mizoram. The Congress and the MNF (Mizoram's second party) are contesting all 40 constituencies in the state, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is fighting in 39 seats. The battle for power in Madhya Pradesh's 230 seats is mainly between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Samajwadi Party (SP) are also in the fray. The BJP has fielded candidates in all 230 seats, while the Congress is contesting 229 seats. Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia said that he had written to the Election Commission demanding an extension of voting in Madhya Pradesh after several complaints of EVM malfunctioning were reported in the polling booth. Shivraj Singh Chauhan who had been ruling the state for the past three terms expressed his confidence over winning the elections for the fourth time. He said, "We’re 100 per cent certain that BJP will forma government with an absolute majority. We have set a target of 200 seats and our lakhs of volunteers are working to make it a reality". We’re 100% certain that BJP will form government with an absolute majority. We have set a target of 200 seats and our lakhs of volunteers are working to make it a reality: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan after casting his vote in Budhni #MadhyaPradeshElections pic.twitter.com/RNQMYXBFQs — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × While Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia said, "I assure you that on 11th December Congress will form the government with the blessings of the people". I assure you that on 11th December Congress will form the government with the blessings of the people: Jyotiraditya Scindia after casting his vote at a polling booth in Gwalior #MadhyaPradeshElections pic.twitter.com/AeswowBZTU — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × The election day also witnessed an unfortunate death of one election commission in Guna while two others in Indore. One Election Commission official in Guna, and two in Indore have passed away due to cardiac arrest #MadhyaPradeshElections — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × #Update Election Commission announces Rs 10 lakh each compensation for the kin of the EC officials who passed away while on election duty #MadhyaPradeshElections https://t.co/7Qv1XJvwIS — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 ×

Assembly election 2018: Madhya Pradesh registers 27% voter turnout, Mizoram 49% till 1 pm

The people of Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram are all set to cast their votes in the state Vidhan Sabha polls.

The election machinery is ready and all prepared for the elections in both states.&nbsp;

Chief Electoral Officer, Madhya Pradesh, VL Kantha Rao on Monday announced that 65,000 polling booths will be set up for the assembly elections, including 2000 booths that would be entirely women-operated.

"3 Lakh government employees including 45,000 women have been deployed on polling duty. 65,000 polling booths are being made in the state. Around 2,000 entirely women-only polling booths would be functional. 160 polling booths will be fully operated by differently-abled personnel," he informed.

1.80 lakh security personnel and 3,00,782 government employees have been deployed on poll duty at 65,367 booths set up across the state.

Madhya Pradesh has a 230-member Assembly and total 2,907 candidates are in the fray for the contest.

The BJP is contesting on all the 230 seats, while the Congress has fielded 229 candidates.

In Madhya Pradesh, the BJP won 166 seats in the House in 2013 and elected Chouhan as the Chief Minister. The Congress and BSP bagged 58 and 4 seats respectively. Three Independent MLAs also won the polls.

The tenure of 230-member House expires on January 7, 2019.

Meanwhile, all arrangements are in place in Mizoram for the voting.

The Congress and the main opposition, the MNF, have fielded 40 candidates each, while the BJP is contesting in 39 seats.

(With inputs from agencies)

The people of Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram are all set to cast their votes in the state Vidhan Sabha polls. The election machinery is ready and all prepared for the elections in both states.

The people of Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram are all set to cast their votes in the state Vidhan Sabha polls. The election machinery is ready and all prepared for the elections in both states. Chief Electoral Officer, Madhya Pradesh, VL Kantha Rao on Monday announced that 65,000 polling booths will be set up for the assembly elections, including 2000 booths that would be entirely women-operated. "3 Lakh government employees including 45,000 women have been deployed on polling duty. 65,000 polling booths are being made in the state. Around 2,000 entirely women-only polling booths would be functional. 160 polling booths will be fully operated by differently-abled personnel," he informed. 1.80 lakh security personnel and 3,00,782 government employees have been deployed on poll duty at 65,367 booths set up across the state. Madhya Pradesh has a 230-member Assembly and total 2,907 candidates are in the fray for the contest. The BJP is contesting on all the 230 seats, while the Congress has fielded 229 candidates. In Madhya Pradesh, the BJP won 166 seats in the House in 2013 and elected Chouhan as the Chief Minister. The Congress and BSP bagged 58 and 4 seats respectively. Three Independent MLAs also won the polls. The tenure of 230-member House expires on January 7, 2019. Meanwhile, all arrangements are in place in Mizoram for the voting. The Congress and the main opposition, the MNF, have fielded 40 candidates each, while the BJP is contesting in 39 seats. (With inputs from agencies)

Security tightened ahead of voting in Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram

With just three days left for the Mizoram Assembly elections, Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla Sunday said the Congress is open to form a post-poll alliance with like-minded parties, excluding the BJP and MNF, if the ruling party falls short of a majority.

He, however, claimed that such a situation will not arise as the Congress will get a full majority on its own.

In Mizoram, support of 21 MLAs is needed to form a government in the 40-member Assembly, which is going to polls on November 28 and the counting will take place on December 11."If like-minded parties come to me and want to support my leadership, then they may (be) welcomed," Thanhawla told PTI during an interview when asked if the Congress is willing to form a post-poll alliance if it does not get a simple majority.

Asked with whom the Congress is comfortable to form an alliance, he said, "I don't know at this moment. But certainly not the BJP, certainly not the MNF. Let the time come."

Refusing to predict a number, the senior Congress leader said his party will get a comfortable majority.

"I am quite confident that I will continue to be in power and I will hold the fort for the Congress (in North East). All indications are there," he added.

Mizoram is significant for the Congress as it remains the only state under the party's rule in the region compared to as many as five just about two years ago, which included Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur.

Thanhawla said there is no difference in the campaign this time compared to that in previous two terms as big crowds can be seen in party meetings and "large number" of people are joining the Congress.

When pointed out that senior ministers and political leaders have left the party in the last two months, he said, "I don't see any worker leaving my party at this stage. But unwanted and corrupt people have left. Congress workers are very grateful and they are much inspired because these corrupt people have left the party."

At least five Congress MLAs have resigned from the Assembly and the party in the run-up to the polls and joined either the BJP or the Mizo National Front (MNF).

Those who have resigned include state's Home Minister R Lalzirliana, former Health Minister Lalrinliana Sailo, former Fisheries Minister Buddha Dhan Chakma and MLA Hmingdailova Khiangte. Besides, Mizoram Assembly Speaker Hiphei resigned earlier this month.

&nbsp;Asked about anti-incumbency factor as alleged by the opposition MNF, Thanhawla said, "Not all. Only MNF is feeling anti-incumbency factor. They don't have anything to point fingers at me -- no scandal, no misuse (of funds). How can they say anti-incumbency wind is blowing in Mizoram? It's only their wishful thinking."

On MNF President Zoramthanga's comment that all roads of Mizoram are in "ICU", the chief minister said: "He is a good speaker. His mouth speaks a lot. He has a big mouth. I have seen my roads. I have travelled my roads. So, who is telling lie and who is telling the truth, you can easily differentiate and know. Lies do not have legs. They fall on the waste side."

The Congress has been in power in Mizoram since 2008 and is eyeing a third consecutive term. In the 2013 elections, the Congress had won 34 seats, while the MNF got five and the Mizoram People's Conference one.

The ruling party had improved its tally in 2013 elections from 32 in 2008. This time, both Congress and MNF are contesting all the 40 constituencies this time, while BJP is fighting in 39 seats.

With just three days left for the Mizoram Assembly elections, Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla Sunday said the Congress is open to form a post-poll alliance with like-minded parties, excluding the BJP and MNF, if the ruling party falls short of a majority.

With just three days left for the Mizoram Assembly elections, Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla Sunday said the Congress is open to form a post-poll alliance with like-minded parties, excluding the BJP and MNF, if the ruling party falls short of a majority. He, however, claimed that such a situation will not arise as the Congress will get a full majority on its own. In Mizoram, support of 21 MLAs is needed to form a government in the 40-member Assembly, which is going to polls on November 28 and the counting will take place on December 11."If like-minded parties come to me and want to support my leadership, then they may (be) welcomed," Thanhawla told PTI during an interview when asked if the Congress is willing to form a post-poll alliance if it does not get a simple majority. Asked with whom the Congress is comfortable to form an alliance, he said, "I don't know at this moment. But certainly not the BJP, certainly not the MNF. Let the time come." Refusing to predict a number, the senior Congress leader said his party will get a comfortable majority. "I am quite confident that I will continue to be in power and I will hold the fort for the Congress (in North East). All indications are there," he added. Mizoram is significant for the Congress as it remains the only state under the party's rule in the region compared to as many as five just about two years ago, which included Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. Thanhawla said there is no difference in the campaign this time compared to that in previous two terms as big crowds can be seen in party meetings and "large number" of people are joining the Congress. When pointed out that senior ministers and political leaders have left the party in the last two months, he said, "I don't see any worker leaving my party at this stage. But unwanted and corrupt people have left. Congress workers are very grateful and they are much inspired because these corrupt people have left the party." At least five Congress MLAs have resigned from the Assembly and the party in the run-up to the polls and joined either the BJP or the Mizo National Front (MNF). Those who have resigned include state's Home Minister R Lalzirliana, former Health Minister Lalrinliana Sailo, former Fisheries Minister Buddha Dhan Chakma and MLA Hmingdailova Khiangte. Besides, Mizoram Assembly Speaker Hiphei resigned earlier this month. Asked about anti-incumbency factor as alleged by the opposition MNF, Thanhawla said, "Not all. Only MNF is feeling anti-incumbency factor. They don't have anything to point fingers at me -- no scandal, no misuse (of funds). How can they say anti-incumbency wind is blowing in Mizoram? It's only their wishful thinking." On MNF President Zoramthanga's comment that all roads of Mizoram are in "ICU", the chief minister said: "He is a good speaker. His mouth speaks a lot. He has a big mouth. I have seen my roads. I have travelled my roads. So, who is telling lie and who is telling the truth, you can easily differentiate and know. Lies do not have legs. They fall on the waste side." The Congress has been in power in Mizoram since 2008 and is eyeing a third consecutive term. In the 2013 elections, the Congress had won 34 seats, while the MNF got five and the Mizoram People's Conference one. The ruling party had improved its tally in 2013 elections from 32 in 2008. This time, both Congress and MNF are contesting all the 40 constituencies this time, while BJP is fighting in 39 seats.

Congress may form post-poll alliance with like-minded parties in Mizoram: CM Lal Thanhawla

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is eyeing "friends" in the Congress, Mizo National Front (MNF) and Zoram People`s Movement (ZPM) for an alliance, if it gets respectable number of seats in the upcoming assembly elections in Mizoram.

Assam Finance Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party`s strategist in the North East Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday told ANI: "If we get a respectable number of seats then we have friends in Congress, Mizo National Front (MNF) and Zoram People`s Movement (ZPM). But first, our aim is to get the respectable number of seats in the upcoming elections."

Mizoram goes to polls on November 28 and counting will be on December 11.

Underling that BJP will be a major factor in forming the government in the state, the leader asserted: "Once the result is announced, any political formation to form a government, they will need BJP."

The leader, who played a crucial role in the Assam Assembly elections in 2016 and Manipur Assembly polls in 2017 in installing the BJP governments there and ousting the Congress regimes, explained that communication and education will be BJP`s top agenda in Mizoram.

He said, "I believe that the first thing which is imperative for Mizoram to develop is the communication network. The railways have not been expanded in the region. If one looks at the national highways, all of them are under construction and state highways do not even exist. It is a sorry state of affairs in the region."

Responding to the allegation that the BJP is practising communal politics, he said: "There is no evidence that BJP is playing religious politics. We vowed for the Indian civilisation, we talk for Indian civilisation."

Sarma who was with the Congress for many years before shifting loyalty to the BJP before the Assam assembly polls, and helped the BJP make inroads in the North East, hit out at the Congress saying, "As far as Congress president Rahul Gandhi is concerned, today he is promoting leaders like Shashi Tharoor, Kamal Nath, CP Joshi. These leaders are blatantly doing religious politics. Whenever Shashi Tharoor attends public events, he abuses the Hindu religion. Kamal Nath has joined the same rhetoric. CP Joshi too had stated that people belonging to OBC and SC/ST do not know anything about Hinduism. These leaders have the support of Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi."&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is eyeing "friends" in the Congress, Mizo National Front (MNF) and Zoram People`s Movement (ZPM) for an alliance, if it gets respectable number of seats in the upcoming assembly elections in Mizoram.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is eyeing "friends" in the Congress, Mizo National Front (MNF) and Zoram People`s Movement (ZPM) for an alliance, if it gets respectable number of seats in the upcoming assembly elections in Mizoram. Assam Finance Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party`s strategist in the North East Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday told ANI: "If we get a respectable number of seats then we have friends in Congress, Mizo National Front (MNF) and Zoram People`s Movement (ZPM). But first, our aim is to get the respectable number of seats in the upcoming elections." Mizoram goes to polls on November 28 and counting will be on December 11. Underling that BJP will be a major factor in forming the government in the state, the leader asserted: "Once the result is announced, any political formation to form a government, they will need BJP." The leader, who played a crucial role in the Assam Assembly elections in 2016 and Manipur Assembly polls in 2017 in installing the BJP governments there and ousting the Congress regimes, explained that communication and education will be BJP`s top agenda in Mizoram. He said, "I believe that the first thing which is imperative for Mizoram to develop is the communication network. The railways have not been expanded in the region. If one looks at the national highways, all of them are under construction and state highways do not even exist. It is a sorry state of affairs in the region." Responding to the allegation that the BJP is practising communal politics, he said: "There is no evidence that BJP is playing religious politics. We vowed for the Indian civilisation, we talk for Indian civilisation." Sarma who was with the Congress for many years before shifting loyalty to the BJP before the Assam assembly polls, and helped the BJP make inroads in the North East, hit out at the Congress saying, "As far as Congress president Rahul Gandhi is concerned, today he is promoting leaders like Shashi Tharoor, Kamal Nath, CP Joshi. These leaders are blatantly doing religious politics. Whenever Shashi Tharoor attends public events, he abuses the Hindu religion. Kamal Nath has joined the same rhetoric. CP Joshi too had stated that people belonging to OBC and SC/ST do not know anything about Hinduism. These leaders have the support of Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi."

Will reach out to friends in Congress, MNF for alliance: Himanta Biswa Sarma on Mizoram polls

Senior BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma Saturday said that the party had worked together with the ruling Congress, the opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) and the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) in Mizoram and there was nothing to hide in those alliances.

BJP and traditional rival Congress had formed a coalition in the Chakma Autonomous District Council in the state and had formed its executive committee.

The party is working with MNF as constituents of the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), which is led by it and he is the convener, and also in the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC), Sarma told newsmen here.

About ZPM, he said BJP had forged electoral alliance with the party earlier too in the Aizawl Municipal Corporation.

"There was nothing to hide in the alliances with those parties and everything was transparent," he said adding that if there is any alliance in the post-assembly poll scenario that too would be transparent.

The propaganda by certain parties calling BJP an anti-Christian party is "baseless and lies" as is seen in the neighbouring states of Nagaland and Meghalaya, he added.

The election to the 20-member CADC on April 20 had thrown up a fractured mandate with the MNF getting eight seats, the Congress six and the BJP five. The polling for one seat was stayed by the Gauhati High Court.

The coalition formed by BJP and Congress had faced a setback after some Congress members withdrew support to the BJP-led CADC.

Senior BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma Saturday said that the party had worked together with the ruling Congress, the opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) and the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) in Mizoram and there was nothing to hide in those alliances.

Senior BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma Saturday said that the party had worked together with the ruling Congress, the opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) and the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) in Mizoram and there was nothing to hide in those alliances. BJP and traditional rival Congress had formed a coalition in the Chakma Autonomous District Council in the state and had formed its executive committee. The party is working with MNF as constituents of the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), which is led by it and he is the convener, and also in the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC), Sarma told newsmen here. About ZPM, he said BJP had forged electoral alliance with the party earlier too in the Aizawl Municipal Corporation. "There was nothing to hide in the alliances with those parties and everything was transparent," he said adding that if there is any alliance in the post-assembly poll scenario that too would be transparent. The propaganda by certain parties calling BJP an anti-Christian party is "baseless and lies" as is seen in the neighbouring states of Nagaland and Meghalaya, he added. The election to the 20-member CADC on April 20 had thrown up a fractured mandate with the MNF getting eight seats, the Congress six and the BJP five. The polling for one seat was stayed by the Gauhati High Court. The coalition formed by BJP and Congress had faced a setback after some Congress members withdrew support to the BJP-led CADC.

BJP had worked with Congress, MNF, ZPM in the past in Mizoram: Himanta Biswa Sarma

The Election Commission has decided to hold polling for Bru refugees in Mizoram's Mamit district, even as the leaders of the tribal community maintained that they fear for their safety in their home state.

The place of voting for 11,232 Bru voters, who are residing in neighbouring Tripura, has been a bone of contention, leading to the replacement of the then chief electoral officer, S B Shashank, less than two weeks ahead of the election to the 40-member House.

Shashank had been accused of facilitating voting by Bru voters in the relief camps of Tripura.

"We have been informed by the Election Commission that the polling for the Brus must be arranged at Kanhmun village inside Mizoram territory. We have started our preparations for that," an official in the CEO office told PTI.

Kanhmun is an interstate border village between Mizoram and Tripura.

A written order to this effect is likely to be received by Mizoram CEO Ashish Kundra in a day or two, the official said.

"In the last three years, there was no revision of electoral rolls. This time we did it. The Bru refugees are registered in nine Assembly seats and we'll place different voting machines accordingly at the special booth in the village," he said.

Kundra had on Tuesday visited Naisingpara -- the largest Bru camp in Tripura -- to meet the refugees and inform them about the EC's decision.

An election official, who accompanied the CEO to Tripura, said the Bru leaders claimed that the voter turnout from the community might be zero if the EC did not change its decision to hold polling in Kahnmun.

"Kundra tried explaining to them that the decision was taken by the Election Commission, but the Bru refugees said they fear for their lives in Mizoram.

They also cited various reasons, including bad-road condition, to justify their demand for polling-booth arrangement in the relief camps," he added.

The six camps of the Bru refugees are located between 2-10 km from the interstate border between Tripura and Mizoram.

The highest number of Brus has been registered in Mamit district, which has Hachhek, Dampa and Mamit seats, with 14 per cent of the total voters being refugees.

It is followed by Kolasib district, with 3.5 per cent of its total voters being Brus. The district has Tuirial, Kolasib and Serlui Assembly seats. In Lunglei district, less than one per cent of the total voters are Bru refugees.

Earlier this month, the Election Commission had removed Shashank as the state chief electoral officer, accepting the demands of civil society groups, NGOs, student organisations and political parties.

The agitators organised dharnas in front of the CEO's office against Shashank's reported move to facilitate voting by Bru voters in the relief camps of Tripura.

They demanded that the Brus, who had fled Mizoram following ethnic clashes in 1997, would have to come to the state to cast their votes as committed by the ECI in 2014.

Meanwhile, the NGO Coordination Committee -- an apex body of civil societies and students' organisations -- has urged the political parties to refrain from arranging transport for Bru voters on the polling day on November 28.

The Election Commission has decided to hold polling for Bru refugees in Mizoram's Mamit district, even as the leaders of the tribal community maintained that they fear for their safety in their home state.

The Election Commission has decided to hold polling for Bru refugees in Mizoram's Mamit district, even as the leaders of the tribal community maintained that they fear for their safety in their home state. The place of voting for 11,232 Bru voters, who are residing in neighbouring Tripura, has been a bone of contention, leading to the replacement of the then chief electoral officer, S B Shashank, less than two weeks ahead of the election to the 40-member House. Shashank had been accused of facilitating voting by Bru voters in the relief camps of Tripura. "We have been informed by the Election Commission that the polling for the Brus must be arranged at Kanhmun village inside Mizoram territory. We have started our preparations for that," an official in the CEO office told PTI. Kanhmun is an interstate border village between Mizoram and Tripura. A written order to this effect is likely to be received by Mizoram CEO Ashish Kundra in a day or two, the official said. "In the last three years, there was no revision of electoral rolls. This time we did it. The Bru refugees are registered in nine Assembly seats and we'll place different voting machines accordingly at the special booth in the village," he said. Kundra had on Tuesday visited Naisingpara -- the largest Bru camp in Tripura -- to meet the refugees and inform them about the EC's decision. An election official, who accompanied the CEO to Tripura, said the Bru leaders claimed that the voter turnout from the community might be zero if the EC did not change its decision to hold polling in Kahnmun. "Kundra tried explaining to them that the decision was taken by the Election Commission, but the Bru refugees said they fear for their lives in Mizoram. They also cited various reasons, including bad-road condition, to justify their demand for polling-booth arrangement in the relief camps," he added. The six camps of the Bru refugees are located between 2-10 km from the interstate border between Tripura and Mizoram. The highest number of Brus has been registered in Mamit district, which has Hachhek, Dampa and Mamit seats, with 14 per cent of the total voters being refugees. It is followed by Kolasib district, with 3.5 per cent of its total voters being Brus. The district has Tuirial, Kolasib and Serlui Assembly seats. In Lunglei district, less than one per cent of the total voters are Bru refugees. Earlier this month, the Election Commission had removed Shashank as the state chief electoral officer, accepting the demands of civil society groups, NGOs, student organisations and political parties. The agitators organised dharnas in front of the CEO's office against Shashank's reported move to facilitate voting by Bru voters in the relief camps of Tripura. They demanded that the Brus, who had fled Mizoram following ethnic clashes in 1997, would have to come to the state to cast their votes as committed by the ECI in 2014. Meanwhile, the NGO Coordination Committee -- an apex body of civil societies and students' organisations -- has urged the political parties to refrain from arranging transport for Bru voters on the polling day on November 28.

Bru refugees to vote in Mizoram's Mamit district: Official

There are promises that are made in a poll season and most of them remain promises, but in the election season of this small hill state, all major political parties say they are serious when it comes to liquor -- whether to ban it or not, and whether to ban it fully or partially.

Mizoram will vote on November 28 for 40 assembly seats to decide who will form the next government in this highly-literate and Christian-majority state.

The state has a total population of about 10 lakh people only, but elections here are being seen as very important for the Congress and and Mizoram National Party (MNF), who have ruled Mizoram ever since it became a full-fledged state in 1987, as also for the BJP that sees it as the 'final frontier' in the North-East.

While the ruling Congress is against total prohibition, the main opposition MNF wants a complete ban. The BJP has taken a middle path by proposing to ban the liquor coming from outside the state and encourage only locally produced ones.

"It (liquor) is an epidemic, a big plague in Mizoram. We are going to solve the drug and alcohol problem by a total prohibition of liquor. We will fight totally against the drugs," MNF President and former Chief Minister Zoramthanga told PTI in an interview.

When the state Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla was in office for his third term, he introduced the Mizoram Liquor Total Prohibition Act banning sale and consumption of alcohol effective from February 20, 1997.

In 2007, the Act was amended during the MNF chief minister Zoramthanga's rule to allow wine to be made from guavas and grapes, but with restrictions on the alcohol content and the volume possessed.

During Thanhawla's fifth term, Mizoram repealed prohibition on July 10, 2014.

The powerful Presbyterian Church had organised mass prayers in all member churches across the state twice that year against repeal of the prohibition. 
The MLPC Act came into force from January 15, 2015, while the first wine shop under the new law was opened on March 16, 2015.

Congress Spokesperson Lallian Chhunga said: "We had a socio-economic survey in September and it found that liquor is a minor issue. MNF wants to make it a big issue. But I don't know how far they have succeeded in it. I am not sure if they are really convinced to swing votes on their favour over the liquor issue."

Some local entrepreneurs favour alcoholic beverages being allowed here.

"Youths do not like total prohibition. MNF and ZPM (Zoram People's Movement) are for total prohibition. Congress can gain from this," Aizawl-based journalist-turned-entrepreneur Joseph Lalhriatpuia said.

Restaurant owner Lalremruata said liquor is not an issue and parties talk about it only in elections.

Zoramthanga, however, claimed around 500 policemen and 6,500-7000 others have died at a young age since 2015 due to excessive drinking.

"It is a thing that matters most. It has become a headache of every parent, every wife. Not only the church, it is practically the headache of every family because they have a problem as liquor is not only easily available, but also of fourth-grade quality," he added.

According to the Mizoram Excise &amp; Narcotics Department website, deaths due to liquor consumption have been on a rise from 9 in 2015 to 22 in 2016 and to 59 in 2017.

Mizoram BJP President J V Hluna said, "We will not import IMFL to Mizoram. Liquor consumption will not be banned, but locally produced liquor (will be allowed). We will legalise local products and export them too."

People's Representation for Identity and Status of Mizoram (PRISM), a new party contesting polls for the first time, said total prohibition is not a solution.

"We have had total prohibition two times in Mizoram. During the MNF insurgency, they prohibited liquor from the jungle. They killed so many local liquor vendors, but liquor was there. After that, the government's total prohibition came, but liquor was there. So, the issue is not prohibition," PRISM President Vanlalruata said.

Favouring control than prohibition, PRISM leader said people need to be made aware about ill affects of liquor and some changes can be made in the MLPC Act.

"Liquor is an election issue. Most of the church leaders and church activists are anti-liquor. But, most youths don't like prohibition," Vanlalruata said. 
Zoramthanga, Hluna and Vanlalruata also pitched for home-made rice beer or locally produced liquor.

MNF leader and candidate from Aizawl East-II constituency Robert Romawia Royte said gains for the state government from allowing liquor is less than the loss it causes.

Stating that liquor consumption is against the Bible, Royte further said: "Men are dying in Mizoram. Number of widows is increasing. We have a peculiar situation, where male voters are less than the women voters."

Mizoram has total 7.68 lakh registered voters -- 3.74 lakh are men and 3.93 lakh are women.

Except Mamit district, rest all seven districts -- Kolasib, Aizawl, Champhai, Serchhip, Lunglei, Lawngtlai and Siaha -- have higher number of female voters.

The Congress has been in power in Mizoram since 2008 and is eyeing the third consecutive term. In 2013 Assembly elections, the Congress won 34 seats, while the MNF had five and Mizoram People's Conference bagged one.

While Congress and MNF are contesting in all the 40 constituencies this time, BJP is fighting in 39 seats and PRISM has put up candidates in 15 seats.

There are promises that are made in a poll season and most of them remain promises, but in the election season of this small hill state, all major political parties say they are serious when it comes to liquor -- whether to ban it or not, and whether to ban it fully or partially.

There are promises that are made in a poll season and most of them remain promises, but in the election season of this small hill state, all major political parties say they are serious when it comes to liquor -- whether to ban it or not, and whether to ban it fully or partially. Mizoram will vote on November 28 for 40 assembly seats to decide who will form the next government in this highly-literate and Christian-majority state. The state has a total population of about 10 lakh people only, but elections here are being seen as very important for the Congress and and Mizoram National Party (MNF), who have ruled Mizoram ever since it became a full-fledged state in 1987, as also for the BJP that sees it as the 'final frontier' in the North-East. While the ruling Congress is against total prohibition, the main opposition MNF wants a complete ban. The BJP has taken a middle path by proposing to ban the liquor coming from outside the state and encourage only locally produced ones. "It (liquor) is an epidemic, a big plague in Mizoram. We are going to solve the drug and alcohol problem by a total prohibition of liquor. We will fight totally against the drugs," MNF President and former Chief Minister Zoramthanga told PTI in an interview. When the state Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla was in office for his third term, he introduced the Mizoram Liquor Total Prohibition Act banning sale and consumption of alcohol effective from February 20, 1997. In 2007, the Act was amended during the MNF chief minister Zoramthanga's rule to allow wine to be made from guavas and grapes, but with restrictions on the alcohol content and the volume possessed. During Thanhawla's fifth term, Mizoram repealed prohibition on July 10, 2014. The powerful Presbyterian Church had organised mass prayers in all member churches across the state twice that year against repeal of the prohibition. The MLPC Act came into force from January 15, 2015, while the first wine shop under the new law was opened on March 16, 2015. Congress Spokesperson Lallian Chhunga said: "We had a socio-economic survey in September and it found that liquor is a minor issue. MNF wants to make it a big issue. But I don't know how far they have succeeded in it. I am not sure if they are really convinced to swing votes on their favour over the liquor issue." Some local entrepreneurs favour alcoholic beverages being allowed here. "Youths do not like total prohibition. MNF and ZPM (Zoram People's Movement) are for total prohibition. Congress can gain from this," Aizawl-based journalist-turned-entrepreneur Joseph Lalhriatpuia said. Restaurant owner Lalremruata said liquor is not an issue and parties talk about it only in elections. Zoramthanga, however, claimed around 500 policemen and 6,500-7000 others have died at a young age since 2015 due to excessive drinking. "It is a thing that matters most. It has become a headache of every parent, every wife. Not only the church, it is practically the headache of every family because they have a problem as liquor is not only easily available, but also of fourth-grade quality," he added. According to the Mizoram Excise & Narcotics Department website, deaths due to liquor consumption have been on a rise from 9 in 2015 to 22 in 2016 and to 59 in 2017. Mizoram BJP President J V Hluna said, "We will not import IMFL to Mizoram. Liquor consumption will not be banned, but locally produced liquor (will be allowed). We will legalise local products and export them too." People's Representation for Identity and Status of Mizoram (PRISM), a new party contesting polls for the first time, said total prohibition is not a solution. "We have had total prohibition two times in Mizoram. During the MNF insurgency, they prohibited liquor from the jungle. They killed so many local liquor vendors, but liquor was there. After that, the government's total prohibition came, but liquor was there. So, the issue is not prohibition," PRISM President Vanlalruata said. Favouring control than prohibition, PRISM leader said people need to be made aware about ill affects of liquor and some changes can be made in the MLPC Act. "Liquor is an election issue. Most of the church leaders and church activists are anti-liquor. But, most youths don't like prohibition," Vanlalruata said. Zoramthanga, Hluna and Vanlalruata also pitched for home-made rice beer or locally produced liquor. MNF leader and candidate from Aizawl East-II constituency Robert Romawia Royte said gains for the state government from allowing liquor is less than the loss it causes. Stating that liquor consumption is against the Bible, Royte further said: "Men are dying in Mizoram. Number of widows is increasing. We have a peculiar situation, where male voters are less than the women voters." Mizoram has total 7.68 lakh registered voters -- 3.74 lakh are men and 3.93 lakh are women. Except Mamit district, rest all seven districts -- Kolasib, Aizawl, Champhai, Serchhip, Lunglei, Lawngtlai and Siaha -- have higher number of female voters. The Congress has been in power in Mizoram since 2008 and is eyeing the third consecutive term. In 2013 Assembly elections, the Congress won 34 seats, while the MNF had five and Mizoram People's Conference bagged one. While Congress and MNF are contesting in all the 40 constituencies this time, BJP is fighting in 39 seats and PRISM has put up candidates in 15 seats.

To raise a toast or not: Liquor a poll issue on platter of all Mizoram parties

Amid rising election campaign heat in Mizoram, the state's BJP unit chief J V Hulna has claimed that Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla of Congress wanted to join the saffron party along with some other party MLAs before the poll process started, a claim dismissed by the ruling party leaders as a "joke".

The Mizoram BJP president also claimed that most of the elected Congress MLAs will join his party after the poll results for the state are out on December 11. The elections are scheduled to be held on November 28 for 40 assembly states of the state, where the Congress has been in power since 2008.

The BJP has never won an assembly election in this small hill state with a population of just about 10 lakh people, including nearly 7.68 lakh voters, but it is seen by the saffron party as the "final frontier" in the North-East as it is in power in all other states of the region -- either by winning polls or joining ruling alliances.

The BJP president Amit Shah recently declared that Mizoram, a Christian-majority state, will celebrate Christmas this December under the BJP rule. 
"Lal Thanhawla himself, before this election, and his followers contacted the central leadership (of BJP) to merge the whole Congress in the state, just like the Arunachal Pradesh. They were in contact with them," Hluna told PTI.

"They did not contact me, they contacted our leaders in Delhi. From them, I learnt that Lal Thanhawla was willing to join BJP," he added.

In September 2016, the Congress lost its government in Arunachal Pradesh when 43 of its MLAs led by Chief Minister Pema Khandu defected wholesale and merged with the People's Party of Arunachal, just two months after it had regained power following the Supreme Court's judgement.

A senior leader of the principal opposition party in Mizoram, Mizo National Front (MNF), also made similar allegations against the chief minister and said that the deal fell through as the Congress leader's "demands" were rejected by the BJP's central leaders.

Thanhawla, a nine-time MLA, could not be contacted for his reactions despite repeated attempts, but a senior minister of his Cabinet termed the allegations as the "funniest jokes ever known".

On condition of anonymity, an MNF leader, who is also contesting the Mizoram Assembly elections from a constituency in the capital city, claimed that Thanhawla had contacted a senior central leader of the BJP and had sought the Chief Minister's post for his daughter and the Governor's post for himself in return of joining the BJP with party MLAs.

"But these demands were rejected outright," he said.

When asked about these claims, Hluna said: "These points, I don't know. But I know that he (Thanhawla) had contacted (Home Minister) Rajnath Singh. And from them, I learnt Lal Thanhawla did not mind joining BJP. That's the thing. But his demands, I do not know."

Going a step further, the state BJP president asserted that most of the elected Congress MLAs after the results are declared will join the BJP as Thanhawla's "ideology is to join central ruling party, whether Congress or BJP".

"So after elections, all elected MLAs of Congress will join our party. They will merge with our party, if they really follow Lal Thanhawla's teaching," he said.

Asked further how can he be so sure about all the Congress MLAs joining the BJP, Hluna said: "May not all, but most of them... (will join) within this year." 
The former MLA said that for the benefit of the Mizo people, the ideology of any chief minister, whether he from the Congress or the MNF or the BJP, is to be with the ruling party at the Centre as Mizoram is a very poor and interior state.

While Thanhawla could not be contacted despite repeated attempts for his reaction on these allegations, the state's Finance Minister Lalsawta vehemently dismissed these claims.

"Don't make me laugh. Many inventions are there, but that wild allegation -- that is the funniest allegation I have ever known," he said.

On claims about Congress MLAs joining BJP post-result, the senior ruling party leader said: "I have confidence in my colleagues, my Congress candidates. That is the second funniest joke you have given me this afternoon. You will be digging your own political grave if you join BJP once you get elected as a Congress MLA."

Lalsawta, however, said Mizoram would wants to have cordial and good relationships with the Centre like any other state.

Asked about a series of resignations by senior Congress leaders from the assembly and party in the last two months, the minister said there have been various reasons.

"They did not find a promising constituency for themselves. They had to migrate," he said.

At least five Congress MLAs have resigned from the assembly and the party in the run-up to the polls and joined other parties.

Those having resigned include state's home minister R Lalzirliana, former health minister Lalrinliana Sailo, former fisheries minister Buddha Dhan Chakma and MLA Hmingdailova Khiangte. Besides, Mizoram assembly speaker Hiphei resigned earlier this month to join the BJP.

With days left for the elections, Congress and the MNF are leaving no stones unturned to woo the voters, while BJP has launched a spirited campaign to get power in this strategically important North Eastern state sandwiched between Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Amid rising election campaign heat in Mizoram, the state's BJP unit chief J V Hulna has claimed that Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla of Congress wanted to join the saffron party along with some other party MLAs before the poll process started, a claim dismissed by the ruling party leaders as a "joke".

Amid rising election campaign heat in Mizoram, the state's BJP unit chief J V Hulna has claimed that Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla of Congress wanted to join the saffron party along with some other party MLAs before the poll process started, a claim dismissed by the ruling party leaders as a "joke". The Mizoram BJP president also claimed that most of the elected Congress MLAs will join his party after the poll results for the state are out on December 11. The elections are scheduled to be held on November 28 for 40 assembly states of the state, where the Congress has been in power since 2008. The BJP has never won an assembly election in this small hill state with a population of just about 10 lakh people, including nearly 7.68 lakh voters, but it is seen by the saffron party as the "final frontier" in the North-East as it is in power in all other states of the region -- either by winning polls or joining ruling alliances. The BJP president Amit Shah recently declared that Mizoram, a Christian-majority state, will celebrate Christmas this December under the BJP rule. "Lal Thanhawla himself, before this election, and his followers contacted the central leadership (of BJP) to merge the whole Congress in the state, just like the Arunachal Pradesh. They were in contact with them," Hluna told PTI. "They did not contact me, they contacted our leaders in Delhi. From them, I learnt that Lal Thanhawla was willing to join BJP," he added. In September 2016, the Congress lost its government in Arunachal Pradesh when 43 of its MLAs led by Chief Minister Pema Khandu defected wholesale and merged with the People's Party of Arunachal, just two months after it had regained power following the Supreme Court's judgement. A senior leader of the principal opposition party in Mizoram, Mizo National Front (MNF), also made similar allegations against the chief minister and said that the deal fell through as the Congress leader's "demands" were rejected by the BJP's central leaders. Thanhawla, a nine-time MLA, could not be contacted for his reactions despite repeated attempts, but a senior minister of his Cabinet termed the allegations as the "funniest jokes ever known". On condition of anonymity, an MNF leader, who is also contesting the Mizoram Assembly elections from a constituency in the capital city, claimed that Thanhawla had contacted a senior central leader of the BJP and had sought the Chief Minister's post for his daughter and the Governor's post for himself in return of joining the BJP with party MLAs. "But these demands were rejected outright," he said. When asked about these claims, Hluna said: "These points, I don't know. But I know that he (Thanhawla) had contacted (Home Minister) Rajnath Singh. And from them, I learnt Lal Thanhawla did not mind joining BJP. That's the thing. But his demands, I do not know." Going a step further, the state BJP president asserted that most of the elected Congress MLAs after the results are declared will join the BJP as Thanhawla's "ideology is to join central ruling party, whether Congress or BJP". "So after elections, all elected MLAs of Congress will join our party. They will merge with our party, if they really follow Lal Thanhawla's teaching," he said. Asked further how can he be so sure about all the Congress MLAs joining the BJP, Hluna said: "May not all, but most of them... (will join) within this year." The former MLA said that for the benefit of the Mizo people, the ideology of any chief minister, whether he from the Congress or the MNF or the BJP, is to be with the ruling party at the Centre as Mizoram is a very poor and interior state. While Thanhawla could not be contacted despite repeated attempts for his reaction on these allegations, the state's Finance Minister Lalsawta vehemently dismissed these claims. "Don't make me laugh. Many inventions are there, but that wild allegation -- that is the funniest allegation I have ever known," he said. On claims about Congress MLAs joining BJP post-result, the senior ruling party leader said: "I have confidence in my colleagues, my Congress candidates. That is the second funniest joke you have given me this afternoon. You will be digging your own political grave if you join BJP once you get elected as a Congress MLA." Lalsawta, however, said Mizoram would wants to have cordial and good relationships with the Centre like any other state. Asked about a series of resignations by senior Congress leaders from the assembly and party in the last two months, the minister said there have been various reasons. "They did not find a promising constituency for themselves. They had to migrate," he said. At least five Congress MLAs have resigned from the assembly and the party in the run-up to the polls and joined other parties. Those having resigned include state's home minister R Lalzirliana, former health minister Lalrinliana Sailo, former fisheries minister Buddha Dhan Chakma and MLA Hmingdailova Khiangte. Besides, Mizoram assembly speaker Hiphei resigned earlier this month to join the BJP. With days left for the elections, Congress and the MNF are leaving no stones unturned to woo the voters, while BJP has launched a spirited campaign to get power in this strategically important North Eastern state sandwiched between Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Mizoram BJP chief alleges CM Thanhawla wanted to join saffron party, Congress calls it 'joke'

Mizo National Front (MNF) general secretary Lalruatkima Saturday blamed the Congress government in Mizoram for the state's underdevelopment and corruption and said his party would ensure good governance and an accountable government, if voted to power in the coming Assembly polls.

The MNF is contesting all the 40 seats in the November 28 state Assembly election.

Lalruatkima told reporters that the present Congress government had never taken the moral responsibility for the bad road conditions in the state, the scarcity of essential commodities or the collapse of a bridge.

If voted to power, the MNF would combat corruption by establishing the Lokayukta and ensure good governance and a government that was accountable, transparent and responsive, he said.

The MLA accused the Congress government, Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla and his younger brother Lal Thanzara, who had been looking after the Public Works portfolio for 10 years, for the extremely bad road conditions in the north-eastern state.

He alleged that the duo had awarded contracts only to a few non-tribal contractors, who were overburdened with work orders, which caused a delay in the completion of works.

The "horrible" condition of the roads in the state was a result of a quid pro quo (a favour or advantage granted in return for something) nexus between Lal Thanhawla, Lal Thanzara and the non-tribal contractors, Lalruatkima alleged.

"The government awarded contracts worth Rs 122.52 crore to the Sunshine Overseas Corporation during 2010-2015, the company in which Lal Thanzara had a 21.6 per cent share," he said.

A bailey bridge over the Tuirini river between Sesawng and Khawruhlian had collapsed in February, killing one person and injuring others. Under pressure from the opposition parties, Lal Thanzara had owned the moral responsibility for it and the MNF had demanded his resignation for alleged negligence of duty.

Lalruatkima said decentralisation of power would be among the topmost priorities for the MNF if it came to power.

Other focus areas would be health and education, the MNF leader said, adding that his party would introduce a system of annual recruitment of doctors, teachers and nurses through the state Public Service Commission as was being done for the state civil and police services.

The poll results will be announced on December 11.

Mizo National Front (MNF) general secretary Lalruatkima Saturday blamed the Congress government in Mizoram for the state's underdevelopment and corruption and said his party would ensure good governance and an accountable government, if voted to power in the coming Assembly polls.

Mizo National Front (MNF) general secretary Lalruatkima Saturday blamed the Congress government in Mizoram for the state's underdevelopment and corruption and said his party would ensure good governance and an accountable government, if voted to power in the coming Assembly polls. The MNF is contesting all the 40 seats in the November 28 state Assembly election. Lalruatkima told reporters that the present Congress government had never taken the moral responsibility for the bad road conditions in the state, the scarcity of essential commodities or the collapse of a bridge. If voted to power, the MNF would combat corruption by establishing the Lokayukta and ensure good governance and a government that was accountable, transparent and responsive, he said. The MLA accused the Congress government, Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla and his younger brother Lal Thanzara, who had been looking after the Public Works portfolio for 10 years, for the extremely bad road conditions in the north-eastern state. He alleged that the duo had awarded contracts only to a few non-tribal contractors, who were overburdened with work orders, which caused a delay in the completion of works. The "horrible" condition of the roads in the state was a result of a quid pro quo (a favour or advantage granted in return for something) nexus between Lal Thanhawla, Lal Thanzara and the non-tribal contractors, Lalruatkima alleged. "The government awarded contracts worth Rs 122.52 crore to the Sunshine Overseas Corporation during 2010-2015, the company in which Lal Thanzara had a 21.6 per cent share," he said. A bailey bridge over the Tuirini river between Sesawng and Khawruhlian had collapsed in February, killing one person and injuring others. Under pressure from the opposition parties, Lal Thanzara had owned the moral responsibility for it and the MNF had demanded his resignation for alleged negligence of duty. Lalruatkima said decentralisation of power would be among the topmost priorities for the MNF if it came to power. Other focus areas would be health and education, the MNF leader said, adding that his party would introduce a system of annual recruitment of doctors, teachers and nurses through the state Public Service Commission as was being done for the state civil and police services. The poll results will be announced on December 11.

MNF blames Congress govt for underdevelopment, corruption in Mizoram

The Mizoram government has allocated Rs 52.75 crore towards expenses of the November 28 state legislative assembly polls, finance department officials said Friday.

The officials said the finance department has released Rs 32.5 crore to the state election department.

Of the Rs 52.75 crore election budget, Rs 37.75 crore will be disbursed to eight district election offices, while Rs 4 crore will go to the state election directorate.

The officials said Rs 11 crore was the total estimate for expenses to be incurred on deployment of 40 companies of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), which was regarded as on the higher side.

The expenditure for the state assembly election is to be borne entirely by the state government, they said, adding Rs 24.30 crore was spent in the 2013 state assembly polls.&nbsp;

The Mizoram government has allocated Rs 52.75 crore towards expenses of the November 28 state legislative assembly polls, finance department officials said Friday.

The Mizoram government has allocated Rs 52.75 crore towards expenses of the November 28 state legislative assembly polls, finance department officials said Friday. The officials said the finance department has released Rs 32.5 crore to the state election department. Of the Rs 52.75 crore election budget, Rs 37.75 crore will be disbursed to eight district election offices, while Rs 4 crore will go to the state election directorate. The officials said Rs 11 crore was the total estimate for expenses to be incurred on deployment of 40 companies of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), which was regarded as on the higher side. The expenditure for the state assembly election is to be borne entirely by the state government, they said, adding Rs 24.30 crore was spent in the 2013 state assembly polls.

Mizoram government allocates Rs 52.75 cr for poll expenses

At least 76 per cent of the licensed gun owners have deposited their arms to the police in Mizoram ahead of the November 28 Assembly elections, a senior police officer said Tuesday.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) L H Shanliana said that 10,337 licensed gun owners had deposited their firearms in various police stations across Mizoram.

The deputy commissioners of all the districts in the state had issued orders asking all registered gun owners to deposit their firearms before the Assembly elections as per a directive issued by the Election Commission of India.

Shanliana hoped that all licensed gun owners, including farmers, would deposit their firearms before the polls though the farmers need guns to protect their jhums (cultivation) from animals at this time of the year.

"We have received excellent cooperation from the village councils in the rural areas and the local councils in the capital Aizawl city," he said.

Keeping in mind the gun owners' sentiments about their guns, he said they would be able to check and clean their firearms whenever they want to do so by visiting the respective police stations and outposts.

The IGP said that DGPs of neighbouring Assam, Tripura and Manipur have been asked to ensure that no persons or materials that could disrupt the poll process in Mizoram should be allowed to enter the state.

Superintendents of police and officers-in-charge of border districts have been put on high alert.

Close circuit television cameras were in place in the border outposts at Assam border Vairengte, Saiphai and Bairabi and Tripura border Zawlnuam Police outposts, the IGP added.&nbsp;

At least 76 per cent of the licensed gun owners have deposited their arms to the police in Mizoram ahead of the November 28 Assembly elections, a senior police officer said Tuesday.

At least 76 per cent of the licensed gun owners have deposited their arms to the police in Mizoram ahead of the November 28 Assembly elections, a senior police officer said Tuesday. Inspector General of Police (IGP) L H Shanliana said that 10,337 licensed gun owners had deposited their firearms in various police stations across Mizoram. The deputy commissioners of all the districts in the state had issued orders asking all registered gun owners to deposit their firearms before the Assembly elections as per a directive issued by the Election Commission of India. Shanliana hoped that all licensed gun owners, including farmers, would deposit their firearms before the polls though the farmers need guns to protect their jhums (cultivation) from animals at this time of the year. "We have received excellent cooperation from the village councils in the rural areas and the local councils in the capital Aizawl city," he said. Keeping in mind the gun owners' sentiments about their guns, he said they would be able to check and clean their firearms whenever they want to do so by visiting the respective police stations and outposts. The IGP said that DGPs of neighbouring Assam, Tripura and Manipur have been asked to ensure that no persons or materials that could disrupt the poll process in Mizoram should be allowed to enter the state. Superintendents of police and officers-in-charge of border districts have been put on high alert. Close circuit television cameras were in place in the border outposts at Assam border Vairengte, Saiphai and Bairabi and Tripura border Zawlnuam Police outposts, the IGP added.

Mizoram Assembly Election 2018: 76% licensed gun owners deposit arms in poll-bound state

The upcoming Mizoram elections are mired in controversies that are unprecedented for the geographically isolated northeastern state. After massive protests against the Chief Electoral Officer, B Shashank, for his alleged overreach in the deployment of 40,000 central forces and allowing Reang (Bru tribe) people living in Tripura to vote in the camps where they live instead of travelling to Mizoram to vote. &nbsp;

These moves were seen by a cross-section of community-based organisations and political parties like the Congress, Mizo National Front and the upstart National People’s Party as dangerous to the stability of Mizoram, a tiny state with just over 11 lakh population. &nbsp;

With 7.68 lakh voters, nearly 70 per cent of the state’s population is registered in electoral rolls making it the only state with such a high percentage of voters. And reflecting the still strong matriarchal tradition in the state, women voters outnumber men with 3. 93 lakh women voters as opposed to 374,496 men.&nbsp;

The 40-seat Mizoram assembly is presently dominated by the Congress with 34 MLAs. Its five-term chief minister, Lal Thanhawla has been exuding confidence and has assured his supporters that the party will retain the 34 seats in the November 28 Assembly elections. Mizoram is the only Congress-ruled state in the Northeast.&nbsp; 
 
And, if Thanhawla manages to retain power then he would successfully defeat BJP’s goal of making northeast free from Congress. After Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachala, Manipur, and Tripura, the BJP is gunning for Mizoram, and it is this saffron onslaught that has made this election the most unpredictable.

The Controversy over Brus’ voting&nbsp;

Over 32,000 Brus live in different relief camps in neighbouring Tripura. Following ethnic clashes two decades ago, these Bru refugees who are also known as Reangs, had to flee Mizoram. However, nearly 40,000 Brus continue to live in Mizoram. In the past, those Brus who fled, and, who now live in unhygienic conditions in relief camps in Tripura were allowed to cast their votes through postal ballots and in booths set up especially for them inside Mizoram.&nbsp;

What Chief Electoral Officer wanted was to have nearly 12,000 Bru voters cast their votes within the camps in Tripura itself. This led to a serious concern among Mizo groups who fear that the polling of votes in these camps could lead to malpractices like the use of money and muscle power. &nbsp;

The mistrust of Mizo groups also stems from the BJP’s changed policy towards refugee groups like the Brus. Besides this issue, the Mizo groups also fear that massive deployment of central forces may lead to intimidation of locals who still remember the bloody decades of insurgency in Mizoram in the 1960s and 1970s.&nbsp;

For the 40-seat Mizoram assembly, a total of 211 candidates have filed nominations. Besides the ruling Congress, and the opposition Mizo National Front (MNF), BJP too has fielded contestants in all 40 constituencies. The Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) is fighting on 35 seats, and another smaller ethnic-based party, the Zoram Thar has put up 24 candidates.&nbsp; 
 
The National People’s Party (NPP), widely expected to put up a good fight, has decided to contest nine seats while the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is contesting in five seats.&nbsp;

With just two weeks to go before polls, the largely rural state is gearing up for a high-stakes battle in which the states are highest for incumbent chief minister Lal Thanhawla of the Congress. Given the unpredictability this time it is difficult to predict if Mizoram will stay with the Congress or like other states in the northeast, it too will become ‘Congress-free’.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

 
&nbsp;

The upcoming Mizoram elections are mired in controversies that are unprecedented for the geographically isolated northeastern state. After massive protests against the Chief Electoral Officer, B Shashank, for his alleged overreach in the deployment of 40,000 central forces and allowing Reang (Bru tribe) people living in Tripura to vote in the camps where they live instead of travelling to Mizoram to vote.

The upcoming Mizoram elections are mired in controversies that are unprecedented for the geographically isolated northeastern state. After massive protests against the Chief Electoral Officer, B Shashank, for his alleged overreach in the deployment of 40,000 central forces and allowing Reang (Bru tribe) people living in Tripura to vote in the camps where they live instead of travelling to Mizoram to vote. These moves were seen by a cross-section of community-based organisations and political parties like the Congress, Mizo National Front and the upstart National People’s Party as dangerous to the stability of Mizoram, a tiny state with just over 11 lakh population. With 7.68 lakh voters, nearly 70 per cent of the state’s population is registered in electoral rolls making it the only state with such a high percentage of voters. And reflecting the still strong matriarchal tradition in the state, women voters outnumber men with 3. 93 lakh women voters as opposed to 374,496 men. The 40-seat Mizoram assembly is presently dominated by the Congress with 34 MLAs. Its five-term chief minister, Lal Thanhawla has been exuding confidence and has assured his supporters that the party will retain the 34 seats in the November 28 Assembly elections. Mizoram is the only Congress-ruled state in the Northeast. And, if Thanhawla manages to retain power then he would successfully defeat BJP’s goal of making northeast free from Congress. After Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachala, Manipur, and Tripura, the BJP is gunning for Mizoram, and it is this saffron onslaught that has made this election the most unpredictable. The Controversy over Brus’ voting Over 32,000 Brus live in different relief camps in neighbouring Tripura. Following ethnic clashes two decades ago, these Bru refugees who are also known as Reangs, had to flee Mizoram. However, nearly 40,000 Brus continue to live in Mizoram. In the past, those Brus who fled, and, who now live in unhygienic conditions in relief camps in Tripura were allowed to cast their votes through postal ballots and in booths set up especially for them inside Mizoram. What Chief Electoral Officer wanted was to have nearly 12,000 Bru voters cast their votes within the camps in Tripura itself. This led to a serious concern among Mizo groups who fear that the polling of votes in these camps could lead to malpractices like the use of money and muscle power. The mistrust of Mizo groups also stems from the BJP’s changed policy towards refugee groups like the Brus. Besides this issue, the Mizo groups also fear that massive deployment of central forces may lead to intimidation of locals who still remember the bloody decades of insurgency in Mizoram in the 1960s and 1970s. For the 40-seat Mizoram assembly, a total of 211 candidates have filed nominations. Besides the ruling Congress, and the opposition Mizo National Front (MNF), BJP too has fielded contestants in all 40 constituencies. The Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) is fighting on 35 seats, and another smaller ethnic-based party, the Zoram Thar has put up 24 candidates. The National People’s Party (NPP), widely expected to put up a good fight, has decided to contest nine seats while the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is contesting in five seats. With just two weeks to go before polls, the largely rural state is gearing up for a high-stakes battle in which the states are highest for incumbent chief minister Lal Thanhawla of the Congress. Given the unpredictability this time it is difficult to predict if Mizoram will stay with the Congress or like other states in the northeast, it too will become ‘Congress-free’. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Assembly elections 2018: Mizoram’s tryst with destiny

The Mizo National Front (MNF), which has been under fire from other political parties for allegedly being close to the BJP, Tuesday said it did not have any electoral alliance with the saffron party and would never go for one as the ideologies of the two parties were "completely different".

There was also no chance of a post-poll alliance between the MNF and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or a coalition in the event of a hung Assembly, MNF senior vice-president Tawnluia said during a meeting in Khawzawl town on the Mizoram-Myanmar border.

"The MNF is for protecting Christianity, but will never condone Hindutva," he said.

Tawnluia added that the Congress had formed a coalition with the BJP to be in power in the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) since May last and the Zoram

People's Movement's (ZPM) chief ministerial candidate, Lalduhoma, had formed an alliance with the saffron party earlier.

The Congress had to publicly announce that it was no longer an ally of the BJP in the autonomous council for the ethnic Chakma people that exercised legislative, executive and judicial powers over the allotted departments in its territory spread over 1,500 sq. Km.

The election to the 20-member CADC on April 20 had thrown up a fractured mandate with the MNF getting eight seats, the Congress six and the BJP five. The polling for one seat was stayed by the Gauhati High Court.

The traditional national rivals -- the BJP and the Congress -- later formed a coalition to stake claim to form the executive committee of the tribal council. The coalition, however, faced a setback after some Congress members withdrew support to the BJP-led CADC.&nbsp;

The MNF has been accused of being close to the saffron party as it is a constituent of the BJP-led North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA). Other political parties, especially the ruling Congress, has alleged that the MNF has a covert understanding with the BJP.

Both the BJP and the MNF are contesting all the 40 seats in the November 28 Mizoram Assembly polls, the results of which will be announced on December 11.

The Mizo National Front (MNF), which has been under fire from other political parties for allegedly being close to the BJP, Tuesday said it did not have any electoral alliance with the saffron party and would never go for one as the ideologies of the two parties were "completely different".

The Mizo National Front (MNF), which has been under fire from other political parties for allegedly being close to the BJP, Tuesday said it did not have any electoral alliance with the saffron party and would never go for one as the ideologies of the two parties were "completely different". There was also no chance of a post-poll alliance between the MNF and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or a coalition in the event of a hung Assembly, MNF senior vice-president Tawnluia said during a meeting in Khawzawl town on the Mizoram-Myanmar border. "The MNF is for protecting Christianity, but will never condone Hindutva," he said. Tawnluia added that the Congress had formed a coalition with the BJP to be in power in the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) since May last and the Zoram People's Movement's (ZPM) chief ministerial candidate, Lalduhoma, had formed an alliance with the saffron party earlier. The Congress had to publicly announce that it was no longer an ally of the BJP in the autonomous council for the ethnic Chakma people that exercised legislative, executive and judicial powers over the allotted departments in its territory spread over 1,500 sq. Km. The election to the 20-member CADC on April 20 had thrown up a fractured mandate with the MNF getting eight seats, the Congress six and the BJP five. The polling for one seat was stayed by the Gauhati High Court. The traditional national rivals -- the BJP and the Congress -- later formed a coalition to stake claim to form the executive committee of the tribal council. The coalition, however, faced a setback after some Congress members withdrew support to the BJP-led CADC. The MNF has been accused of being close to the saffron party as it is a constituent of the BJP-led North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA). Other political parties, especially the ruling Congress, has alleged that the MNF has a covert understanding with the BJP. Both the BJP and the MNF are contesting all the 40 seats in the November 28 Mizoram Assembly polls, the results of which will be announced on December 11.

No electoral understanding with BJP: Mizo National Front

In this small hill state of just about 10 lakh people, parties' political equations appear as treacherous as its twisting and turning roads - both the ruling BJP and main opposition MNF are trying hard to prove their 'anti-BJP' credentials and both have had their own alliances with the saffron party.

The sudden prominence attained by the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) for the November 28 elections for 40 assembly seats of this christian-majority state also contradicts a basic statistics of Mizoram's three-decade-old electoral history that the saffron party has never won an assembly seat so far.

But the BJP is now the main target of poll campaigns mounted by the Congress as well as the Mizo National Front (MNF) - the two parties that have always ruled Mizoram one after another.

As the campaign gains momentum, both the Congress and the MNF are accusing each other of being the BJP's "real ally", by digging out old pictures, documents and meeting details from the past and splashing them all over before the voters.

While the Congress and the MNF are leaving no stones unturned to paint the BJP as "anti-Christian", the saffron party has launched a spirited campaign to get power in this strategically important north-eastern state sandwiched between Myanmar and Bangladesh, with the party president Amit Shah declaring that Christmas would be celebrated in Mizoram under the BJP rule this December.

The counting of votes would take place on December 11.

Mizoram is been seen by the BJP leaders as the "final frontier" in its 'Congree-free North East' campaign, as the party has already secured power in Assam, Tripura, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, besides joining ruling coalition in Meghalaya and Nagaland.

Mizoram is significant for the Congress too, as it remains the only state under the party's rule as against as many as five just about two years ago, which included Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur.

The Congress has been in power in Mizoram since 2008 and is eyeing the third consecutive term. In the 2013 elections, the Congress had won 34 seats, while the MNF got five and Mizoram People's Conference one.

The Congress improved its tally in 2013 elections, from 32 in 2008, but the BJP is making an all-out effort to snatch the power.

Earlier in two other Christian-dominated north-eastern states, Meghalaya and Nagaland, the BJP went on to become part of the government after joining hands with the runners-up, while the parties with highest number of seats (including Congress in Meghalaya) could not get the power.

While the MNF has been party of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the saffron party has decided to fight the assembly elections alone and has put up candidates on 39 seats.

The Congress is, however, accusing the MNF, its traditional rival in the state, of being silently in league with the BJP for the upcoming polls, in which about 7.68 lakh voters including 3.93 women are eligible to exercise their franchise.

The Congress has published 50,000 copies of a leaflet in Mizo language depicting the relationship between the BJP and the MNF, while putting on front a picture of the two party chiefs - Amit Shah and Zoramthanga - sitting together.

It contains various pictures and details of the former Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga of MNF attending NDA and North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) meetings with senior BJP leaders.

On its part, the MNF is vehemently denying any relationship with the BJP for the polls and points out at the alliance the two national parties had in the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) in Mizoram.

Congress had to publicly announce that it is no longer an ally of the BJP in the Council, an autonomous council for ethnic Chakma people that exercises legislative, executive and judicial powers over allotted departments in its territory spread over 1500 sq km.

Election to the 20-member CADC on April 20 gave a fractured mandate - the MNF got eight seats, the Congress won six, and the BJP got five. Poll to one seat was stayed by the Gauhati High Court.

Traditional national rivals - BJP and Congress - later formed a coalition to stake claim to form the executive committee of the tribal council. The coalition, however, faced a setback after some Congress members withdrew support to the BJP-led CADC.

"The Congress's allegation that the BJP is behind MNF and is a secret ally has been reversed. It is having an adverse impact on the Congress itself and has exposed the party," said Robert Romawia Royte, a senior MNF leader and the party's candidate from Aizawl East-II constituency.

He said the MNF was planning to expose the "alliance" in a big way, but the Congress itself admitted it by saying they were breaking the alliance.

A Congress leader, however, said that the people are well aware of the fact that the MNF is part of the BJP-led NDA and NEDA.

"The NEDA Convenor and the BJP leader from Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, has come here several times and worked with the MNF in selection of candidates," he alleged.

The Congress leader alleged the BJP is not liked by the people here as the party is seen as being anti-Christian and therefore it was banking on the MNF.

"We want to protect the dignity of the church, which is already at stake in Meghalaya and Nagaland," he said.

In this small hill state of just about 10 lakh people, parties' political equations appear as treacherous as its twisting and turning roads - both the ruling BJP and main opposition MNF are trying hard to prove their 'anti-BJP' credentials and both have had their own alliances with the saffron party.

In this small hill state of just about 10 lakh people, parties' political equations appear as treacherous as its twisting and turning roads - both the ruling BJP and main opposition MNF are trying hard to prove their 'anti-BJP' credentials and both have had their own alliances with the saffron party. The sudden prominence attained by the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) for the November 28 elections for 40 assembly seats of this christian-majority state also contradicts a basic statistics of Mizoram's three-decade-old electoral history that the saffron party has never won an assembly seat so far. But the BJP is now the main target of poll campaigns mounted by the Congress as well as the Mizo National Front (MNF) - the two parties that have always ruled Mizoram one after another. As the campaign gains momentum, both the Congress and the MNF are accusing each other of being the BJP's "real ally", by digging out old pictures, documents and meeting details from the past and splashing them all over before the voters. While the Congress and the MNF are leaving no stones unturned to paint the BJP as "anti-Christian", the saffron party has launched a spirited campaign to get power in this strategically important north-eastern state sandwiched between Myanmar and Bangladesh, with the party president Amit Shah declaring that Christmas would be celebrated in Mizoram under the BJP rule this December. The counting of votes would take place on December 11. Mizoram is been seen by the BJP leaders as the "final frontier" in its 'Congree-free North East' campaign, as the party has already secured power in Assam, Tripura, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh, besides joining ruling coalition in Meghalaya and Nagaland. Mizoram is significant for the Congress too, as it remains the only state under the party's rule as against as many as five just about two years ago, which included Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. The Congress has been in power in Mizoram since 2008 and is eyeing the third consecutive term. In the 2013 elections, the Congress had won 34 seats, while the MNF got five and Mizoram People's Conference one. The Congress improved its tally in 2013 elections, from 32 in 2008, but the BJP is making an all-out effort to snatch the power. Earlier in two other Christian-dominated north-eastern states, Meghalaya and Nagaland, the BJP went on to become part of the government after joining hands with the runners-up, while the parties with highest number of seats (including Congress in Meghalaya) could not get the power. While the MNF has been party of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), the saffron party has decided to fight the assembly elections alone and has put up candidates on 39 seats. The Congress is, however, accusing the MNF, its traditional rival in the state, of being silently in league with the BJP for the upcoming polls, in which about 7.68 lakh voters including 3.93 women are eligible to exercise their franchise. The Congress has published 50,000 copies of a leaflet in Mizo language depicting the relationship between the BJP and the MNF, while putting on front a picture of the two party chiefs - Amit Shah and Zoramthanga - sitting together. It contains various pictures and details of the former Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga of MNF attending NDA and North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) meetings with senior BJP leaders. On its part, the MNF is vehemently denying any relationship with the BJP for the polls and points out at the alliance the two national parties had in the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) in Mizoram. Congress had to publicly announce that it is no longer an ally of the BJP in the Council, an autonomous council for ethnic Chakma people that exercises legislative, executive and judicial powers over allotted departments in its territory spread over 1500 sq km. Election to the 20-member CADC on April 20 gave a fractured mandate - the MNF got eight seats, the Congress won six, and the BJP got five. Poll to one seat was stayed by the Gauhati High Court. Traditional national rivals - BJP and Congress - later formed a coalition to stake claim to form the executive committee of the tribal council. The coalition, however, faced a setback after some Congress members withdrew support to the BJP-led CADC. "The Congress's allegation that the BJP is behind MNF and is a secret ally has been reversed. It is having an adverse impact on the Congress itself and has exposed the party," said Robert Romawia Royte, a senior MNF leader and the party's candidate from Aizawl East-II constituency. He said the MNF was planning to expose the "alliance" in a big way, but the Congress itself admitted it by saying they were breaking the alliance. A Congress leader, however, said that the people are well aware of the fact that the MNF is part of the BJP-led NDA and NEDA. "The NEDA Convenor and the BJP leader from Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, has come here several times and worked with the MNF in selection of candidates," he alleged. The Congress leader alleged the BJP is not liked by the people here as the party is seen as being anti-Christian and therefore it was banking on the MNF. "We want to protect the dignity of the church, which is already at stake in Meghalaya and Nagaland," he said.

Mizoram: Where all parties have allied with BJP despite claiming to be anti-BJP

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday received the panel of names for the post of the state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) from the Chief Secretary of Mizoram.

"Full commission comprising Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat, Election Commissioners Sunil Arora and Ashok Lavaasa will be meeting to review the names," said a poll body official.

Noting that the Commission will only appoint someone as CEO only if he or she is capable of conducting a 'free, fair and peaceful election', the functionary said the poll body may demand for another set of names if it has reservations.

"The commission will either take a call or it will seek another panel, but only after reviewing the names," he added.

Meanwhile, SB Shashank, the incumbent CEO will also be meeting the top poll body officials for briefing them on the status of the poll preparations in poll-bound Mizoram.

"The Commission will again be meeting SB Shashank to know what exactly the level is and what should be done in Mizoram because the new incumbent will have very little time to deliver polls in the hill state," said the official.

"It will be crucial to the know the important inputs that should be given to the new person if appointed," he added.

The EC had earlier sent a high-level team led by Deputy Election Commissioner Sudeep Jain to hold further talks with NGO Coordination Committee, who demanded removal of CEO Shashank.

The Commission will also be taking up the agreement between the ECI team and NGO Coordination Committee.

"In the agreement the coordination committee has agreed for conducting polling for Bru voters at convenient place in Mizoram and not outside the state," said a source.

"The agreement further states that CEO SB Shashank has lost the confidence of the civil society, so he should be changed," he added.

The senior poll official reiterated that it holds Mizo people in high regards and hopes that the election will be peacefully conducted in the hill state.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday received the panel of names for the post of the state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) from the Chief Secretary of Mizoram.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday received the panel of names for the post of the state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) from the Chief Secretary of Mizoram. "Full commission comprising Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat, Election Commissioners Sunil Arora and Ashok Lavaasa will be meeting to review the names," said a poll body official. Noting that the Commission will only appoint someone as CEO only if he or she is capable of conducting a 'free, fair and peaceful election', the functionary said the poll body may demand for another set of names if it has reservations. "The commission will either take a call or it will seek another panel, but only after reviewing the names," he added. Meanwhile, SB Shashank, the incumbent CEO will also be meeting the top poll body officials for briefing them on the status of the poll preparations in poll-bound Mizoram. "The Commission will again be meeting SB Shashank to know what exactly the level is and what should be done in Mizoram because the new incumbent will have very little time to deliver polls in the hill state," said the official. "It will be crucial to the know the important inputs that should be given to the new person if appointed," he added. The EC had earlier sent a high-level team led by Deputy Election Commissioner Sudeep Jain to hold further talks with NGO Coordination Committee, who demanded removal of CEO Shashank. The Commission will also be taking up the agreement between the ECI team and NGO Coordination Committee. "In the agreement the coordination committee has agreed for conducting polling for Bru voters at convenient place in Mizoram and not outside the state," said a source. "The agreement further states that CEO SB Shashank has lost the confidence of the civil society, so he should be changed," he added. The senior poll official reiterated that it holds Mizo people in high regards and hopes that the election will be peacefully conducted in the hill state.

Mizoram: Election Commission to review panel names received for CEO

The Mizoram government has proposed the names of three IAS officers, as desired by the Election Commission (EC), for the post of a new chief electoral officer (CEO) in the state, an official said Sunday.

The poll panel had asked the state government to suggest the names after it decided to replace CEO S B Shashank, who had courted controversy in the poll-bound state.

The names suggested by the government were -- Lalhmingthanga, H Lalengmawia and K Lalthawmmawia -- the official said on the condition of anonymity.

He also said Deputy Election Commissioner Sudeep Jain, who led the second EC team to Mizoram Friday, had told officials that it would take two-three days to select and appoint a new CEO.

Jain had also assured the NGO Coordination Committee leaders -- who were spearheading the movement against Shashank -- that the CEO would be replaced and the Bru voters housed in Tripura relief camps would exercise their franchise from Mizoram, which were the primary demands of the organisation.

The EC had initiated the process of finding an alternative to the Mizoram CEO Saturday. An EC spokesperson had said in New Delhi that the poll panel had "only decided to call for a panel of names for the post of the state CEO from the chief secretary of Mizoram".

Shashank had reportedly sought deployment of additional Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) in the north-eastern state and complained to the EC that the state's former principal secretary, Lalnunmawia Chuaungo, was interfering in the poll process.

Chuaungo, a native of Mizoram and a Gujarat-cadre IAS officer, was relieved of his duties earlier this month.

Thousands of people took to the streets and picketed in front of Shashank's office for two days since Tuesday.

The protesters, under the aegis of the NGO Coordination Committee, had also set an ultimatum for Shashank to leave urgently, prompting the EC to send the first team to the state Tuesday.

Shashank left Mizoram Wednesday after being summoned by the chief election commissioner in Delhi, which resulted in the withdrawal of the agitation.

The Mizoram government has proposed the names of three IAS officers, as desired by the Election Commission (EC), for the post of a new chief electoral officer (CEO) in the state, an official said Sunday.

The Mizoram government has proposed the names of three IAS officers, as desired by the Election Commission (EC), for the post of a new chief electoral officer (CEO) in the state, an official said Sunday. The poll panel had asked the state government to suggest the names after it decided to replace CEO S B Shashank, who had courted controversy in the poll-bound state. The names suggested by the government were -- Lalhmingthanga, H Lalengmawia and K Lalthawmmawia -- the official said on the condition of anonymity. He also said Deputy Election Commissioner Sudeep Jain, who led the second EC team to Mizoram Friday, had told officials that it would take two-three days to select and appoint a new CEO. Jain had also assured the NGO Coordination Committee leaders -- who were spearheading the movement against Shashank -- that the CEO would be replaced and the Bru voters housed in Tripura relief camps would exercise their franchise from Mizoram, which were the primary demands of the organisation. The EC had initiated the process of finding an alternative to the Mizoram CEO Saturday. An EC spokesperson had said in New Delhi that the poll panel had "only decided to call for a panel of names for the post of the state CEO from the chief secretary of Mizoram". Shashank had reportedly sought deployment of additional Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) in the north-eastern state and complained to the EC that the state's former principal secretary, Lalnunmawia Chuaungo, was interfering in the poll process. Chuaungo, a native of Mizoram and a Gujarat-cadre IAS officer, was relieved of his duties earlier this month. Thousands of people took to the streets and picketed in front of Shashank's office for two days since Tuesday. The protesters, under the aegis of the NGO Coordination Committee, had also set an ultimatum for Shashank to leave urgently, prompting the EC to send the first team to the state Tuesday. Shashank left Mizoram Wednesday after being summoned by the chief election commissioner in Delhi, which resulted in the withdrawal of the agitation.

Mizoram: Government proposes names of 3 IAS officers for CEO's post

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has identified 32 polling stations in Mizoram as 'critical' and 38 'vulnerable locations', the state's Joint Chief Electoral Officer Zorammuana said Sunday.

The state will have a total of 1,164 polling stations for the November 28 Assembly polls.

Along with the state armed police, 40 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) would also be deployed in critical polling stations and also in those at vulnerable locations, Zorammuana told PTI.

While the training for poll officials is on, the state election machinery is preparing to conduct free, fair and peaceful polls as was done in the past.

Meanwhile, poll campaign in the state is in full swing with candidates including Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla, former chief minister and opposition MNF president Zoramthanga campaigning not only in their respective constituencies but also in other parts of the state.

Public meetings, joint platforms and door-to-door canvassing were being held in almost all the places.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has identified 32 polling stations in Mizoram as 'critical' and 38 'vulnerable locations', the state's Joint Chief Electoral Officer Zorammuana said Sunday.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has identified 32 polling stations in Mizoram as 'critical' and 38 'vulnerable locations', the state's Joint Chief Electoral Officer Zorammuana said Sunday. The state will have a total of 1,164 polling stations for the November 28 Assembly polls. Along with the state armed police, 40 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) would also be deployed in critical polling stations and also in those at vulnerable locations, Zorammuana told PTI. While the training for poll officials is on, the state election machinery is preparing to conduct free, fair and peaceful polls as was done in the past. Meanwhile, poll campaign in the state is in full swing with candidates including Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla, former chief minister and opposition MNF president Zoramthanga campaigning not only in their respective constituencies but also in other parts of the state. Public meetings, joint platforms and door-to-door canvassing were being held in almost all the places.

Election Commission identifies 32 polling stations in Mizoram as 'critical'

The Election Commission of India on Saturday held a meeting and decided to call for a panel of names for the post of State Chief Electoral Officer, from Chief Secretary of Mizoram, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

According to reports, the Commission also decided to take further steps only after receiving a report of the visit by Deputy Election Commissioner's team to the state.

On Friday, an Election Commission team held discussions with government officials and members of an apex body for civil societies in Mizoram. During the meeting, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/election-commission-team-has-agreed-to-remove-mizoram-ceo-ngo-coordination-committee-chief-176531">it was decided to remove state Chief Electoral Officer</a> (CEO) SB Shashank, a civil society leader said.

The EC team held discussions with two additional CEOs, Home Secretary Lalrinliana Fanai, leaders of the NGO Coordination Committee - apex body of the civil societies.&nbsp;

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In the EC meeting held today, the Commission has only decided to call for a panel of names for the post of State Chief Electoral Officer, from Chief Secy of Mizoram. Further steps to only be taken after receiving report of the visit by Dy Election Commissioner's team to the state <a href="https://t.co/PORnZDgKq1">pic.twitter.com/PORnZDgKq1</a>
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Committee chairman Vanlalruata said the EC team agreed to the body's demand to remove Shashank as CEO of Mizoram immediately, news agency PTI reported.&nbsp;

The EC team, however, refused to make any commitment on revoking the transfer order of former principal secretary Lalnunmawia Chuaungo and restore him in his position in Mizoram.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Election Commission of India on Saturday held a meeting and decided to call for a panel of names for the post of State Chief Electoral Officer, from Chief Secretary of Mizoram, news agency ANI reported.

The Election Commission of India on Saturday held a meeting and decided to call for a panel of names for the post of State Chief Electoral Officer, from Chief Secretary of Mizoram, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, the Commission also decided to take further steps only after receiving a report of the visit by Deputy Election Commissioner's team to the state. On Friday, an Election Commission team held discussions with government officials and members of an apex body for civil societies in Mizoram. During the meeting, it was decided to remove state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) SB Shashank, a civil society leader said. The EC team held discussions with two additional CEOs, Home Secretary Lalrinliana Fanai, leaders of the NGO Coordination Committee - apex body of the civil societies. In the EC meeting held today, the Commission has only decided to call for a panel of names for the post of State Chief Electoral Officer, from Chief Secy of Mizoram. Further steps to only be taken after receiving report of the visit by Dy Election Commissioner's team to the state pic.twitter.com/PORnZDgKq1 — ANI (@ANI) November 10, 2018 × Committee chairman Vanlalruata said the EC team agreed to the body's demand to remove Shashank as CEO of Mizoram immediately, news agency PTI reported. The EC team, however, refused to make any commitment on revoking the transfer order of former principal secretary Lalnunmawia Chuaungo and restore him in his position in Mizoram. (With inputs from agencies)

Mizoram: EC to call for panel of names for state Chief Electoral Officer's office

An Election Commission team, held discussions with government officials and members of an apex body for civil societies in Mizoram here Friday and agreed to remove state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) S B Shashank, a civil society leader said.

The four-member EC team, headed by Deputy Election Commissioner Sudeep Jain, did not speak to the press.

Chief Secretary Arvind Ray and the joint CEO were not allowed inside the hall where the meeting was held.&nbsp;

The EC team held discussions with two additional CEOs, Home Secretary Lalrinliana Fanai, leaders of the NGO Coordination Committee - apex body of the civil societies. It was a closed door meeting and the team left the venue without making any comments.

Committee chairman Vanlalruata said the EC team agreed to the body's demand to remove Shashank as CEO of Mizoram immediately.

The team also agreed to stick to the commitment made by the poll panel in April 2014 that Bru voters who are staying in Tripura would exercise their franchise in Mizoram and not in the relief camps of that state, he said.

Thousands of Bru community members had fled Mizoram in October 1997 after ethnic clashes and have been living in camps in Tripura since then.

The EC team, however, refused to make any commitment on revoking the transfer order of former principal secretary Lalnunmawia Chuaungo and restore him in his position in Mizoram, he said.

Shashank, who was being seen by the civil society as a Bru sympathiser, had allegedly complained to the EC that Chuaungo was interfering with the poll process in Mizoram where election to its 40-member Assembly is slated for November 28.

The EC team also met members of the Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitute Committee (MKHC), which is a conglomerate of leaders of major churches in the state, and those of the IAS officers association which included several serving and retired bureaucrats.

They would visit Champhai district, on the Mizoram-Myanmar border, Saturday and hold discussions with the Deputy Commissioner Naveen Agrawal, before returning to Delhi.&nbsp;

An Election Commission team, held discussions with government officials and members of an apex body for civil societies in Mizoram here Friday and agreed to remove state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) S B Shashank, a civil society leader said.

An Election Commission team, held discussions with government officials and members of an apex body for civil societies in Mizoram here Friday and agreed to remove state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) S B Shashank, a civil society leader said. The four-member EC team, headed by Deputy Election Commissioner Sudeep Jain, did not speak to the press. Chief Secretary Arvind Ray and the joint CEO were not allowed inside the hall where the meeting was held. The EC team held discussions with two additional CEOs, Home Secretary Lalrinliana Fanai, leaders of the NGO Coordination Committee - apex body of the civil societies. It was a closed door meeting and the team left the venue without making any comments. Committee chairman Vanlalruata said the EC team agreed to the body's demand to remove Shashank as CEO of Mizoram immediately. The team also agreed to stick to the commitment made by the poll panel in April 2014 that Bru voters who are staying in Tripura would exercise their franchise in Mizoram and not in the relief camps of that state, he said. Thousands of Bru community members had fled Mizoram in October 1997 after ethnic clashes and have been living in camps in Tripura since then. The EC team, however, refused to make any commitment on revoking the transfer order of former principal secretary Lalnunmawia Chuaungo and restore him in his position in Mizoram, he said. Shashank, who was being seen by the civil society as a Bru sympathiser, had allegedly complained to the EC that Chuaungo was interfering with the poll process in Mizoram where election to its 40-member Assembly is slated for November 28. The EC team also met members of the Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitute Committee (MKHC), which is a conglomerate of leaders of major churches in the state, and those of the IAS officers association which included several serving and retired bureaucrats. They would visit Champhai district, on the Mizoram-Myanmar border, Saturday and hold discussions with the Deputy Commissioner Naveen Agrawal, before returning to Delhi.

Election Commission team has agreed to remove Mizoram CEO: NGO coordination committee chief 

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