<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-signs-deal-ending-longest-government-shutdown-in-us-history-192857">Donald Trump signs deal ending </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-signs-deal-ending-longest-government-shutdown-in-us-history-192857">longest</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-signs-deal-ending-longest-government-shutdown-in-us-history-192857"> government shutdown in US history</a>

United States President Donald Trump has signed the deal bringing the government shutdown to an end, news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump said Friday he will temporarily end the government shutdown, while dropping his previous insistence on immediate funding for wall construction along the Mexican border.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-7-dead-150-missing-in-brazil-dam-collapse-disaster-192826">At least 7 dead, 150 missing in Brazil dam collapse disaster</a>

A collapse of a disused dam at an iron-ore mine complex in southeast Brazil killed at least seven people and left 150 missing, officials said, as they sought to evaluate the full scope of the disaster.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/mark-zuckerberg-to-integrate-whatsapp-instagram-and-facebook-messenger-report-192830">Mark Zuckerberg to integrate WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook Messenger: Report</a>

Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg is planning to unify the underlying messaging infrastructure of the WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook Messenger services and incorporate end-to-end encryption into these apps, the New York Times reported on Friday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mnf-will-withdraw-support-to-nda-over-citizenship-bill-if-situation-arises-chief-minister-zoramthanga-192842">Will withdraw support from NDA over Citizenship Bill if </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mnf-will-withdraw-support-to-nda-over-citizenship-bill-if-situation-arises-chief-minister-zoramthanga-192842">situation</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/mnf-will-withdraw-support-to-nda-over-citizenship-bill-if-situation-arises-chief-minister-zoramthanga-192842"> arises: Mizoram Chief Minister</a>

Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga said on Thursday that the ruling Mizo National Front would not hesitate to snap ties with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) if the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill is not revoked.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-india-vs-new-zealand-2nd-odi-at-bay-oval-192844">Live updates | INDvsNZ, 2nd ODI: India </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-india-vs-new-zealand-2nd-odi-at-bay-oval-192844">are</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/live-updates-india-vs-new-zealand-2nd-odi-at-bay-oval-192844"> at 56-0 after 10 overs</a>

After 10 overs, India are at a score of 56 at without losing any wicket.

The openers started off the innings well as India managed to give a dominating start.

Rohit (30) and Shikhar (24) strike several beautiful shots to cheer up Indian fans present at Bat Oval stadium.&nbsp;

Donald Trump signs deal ending longest government shutdown in US history United States President Donald Trump has signed the deal bringing the government shutdown to an end, news agency AFP reported.

Donald Trump signs deal ending longest government shutdown in US history United States President Donald Trump has signed the deal bringing the government shutdown to an end, news agency AFP reported. President Donald Trump said Friday he will temporarily end the government shutdown, while dropping his previous insistence on immediate funding for wall construction along the Mexican border. At least 7 dead, 150 missing in Brazil dam collapse disaster A collapse of a disused dam at an iron-ore mine complex in southeast Brazil killed at least seven people and left 150 missing, officials said, as they sought to evaluate the full scope of the disaster. Mark Zuckerberg to integrate WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook Messenger: Report Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg is planning to unify the underlying messaging infrastructure of the WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook Messenger services and incorporate end-to-end encryption into these apps, the New York Times reported on Friday. Will withdraw support from NDA over Citizenship Bill if situation arises: Mizoram Chief Minister Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga said on Thursday that the ruling Mizo National Front would not hesitate to snap ties with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) if the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill is not revoked. Live updates | INDvsNZ, 2nd ODI: India are at 56-0 after 10 overs After 10 overs, India are at a score of 56 at without losing any wicket. The openers started off the innings well as India managed to give a dominating start. Rohit (30) and Shikhar (24) strike several beautiful shots to cheer up Indian fans present at Bat Oval stadium.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga said on Thursday that the ruling Mizo National Front would not hesitate to snap ties with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) if the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill is not revoked.

Addressing MNF workers at Aibawk village near Aizwal, Zoramthanga said that the party and his government had been making all-out efforts to ensure the defeat of the bill.

"The ruling party would withdraw its support to the NDA if situation arises," he said.

The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, passed by the Lok Sabha on January 8, seeks to grant Indian nationality to non-Muslims who fled religious persecution from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan, and entered India before December 31, 2014.

"The state cabinet adopted a resolution opposing the proposed legislation and I have met both the prime minister and the Union Home Minister to inform them about our opposition to the legislation," the MNF chief said.

The party would be at the forefront of the movement against the proposed bill, Zoramthanga asserted.

"The bill should not be enacted as it does not value the historic Mizo accord signed between India and the erstwhile underground MNF in 1986," he added.

The Mizo National Front was formed in 1950s to protest against the inaction of the central government towards the famine situation in the Mizo areas of Assam.

Following years of underground activities, it signed the Mizoram Accord with the Union government in 1986, renouncing violence.

The party cruised to an absolute majority last year, winning 26 of the 40 seats in the Mizoram Assembly.

Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga said on Thursday that the ruling Mizo National Front would not hesitate to snap ties with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) if the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill is not revoked.

Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga said on Thursday that the ruling Mizo National Front would not hesitate to snap ties with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) if the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill is not revoked. Addressing MNF workers at Aibawk village near Aizwal, Zoramthanga said that the party and his government had been making all-out efforts to ensure the defeat of the bill. "The ruling party would withdraw its support to the NDA if situation arises," he said. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, passed by the Lok Sabha on January 8, seeks to grant Indian nationality to non-Muslims who fled religious persecution from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan, and entered India before December 31, 2014. "The state cabinet adopted a resolution opposing the proposed legislation and I have met both the prime minister and the Union Home Minister to inform them about our opposition to the legislation," the MNF chief said. The party would be at the forefront of the movement against the proposed bill, Zoramthanga asserted. "The bill should not be enacted as it does not value the historic Mizo accord signed between India and the erstwhile underground MNF in 1986," he added. The Mizo National Front was formed in 1950s to protest against the inaction of the central government towards the famine situation in the Mizo areas of Assam. Following years of underground activities, it signed the Mizoram Accord with the Union government in 1986, renouncing violence. The party cruised to an absolute majority last year, winning 26 of the 40 seats in the Mizoram Assembly.

Will withdraw support from NDA over Citizenship Bill if situation arises: Mizoram Chief Minister

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

The<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/portfolios-allotted-to-new-mizoram-ministers-184307"> newly appointed chief minister of Mizoram</a>, Zoramthanga, claimed on Saturday that his party Mizo National Front would not leave the BJP-led NDA and the North East Democratic Alliance.&nbsp;

After taking oath as the chief minister of the state, Zoramthanga said to the reporters, "There is no intention at this juncture to leave the NDA and NEDA".

He further said that his government would majorly focus on combating alcoholism and drug addiction and added that he would work on the development project in the state from day 1.

Zoranthanga who took over the state after a decade is heading for a third term in the state.

Although facing criticism from certain sections in the Christian-dominated state for joining hands with the BJP, Zoramthanga said the MNF's ties with the NDA and NEDA will continue.

"With vast lands available for cultivation, we hope to increase the per capita income so that it is among the highest in the country," he said.

He emphasized the need for good roads saying that efforts would be made to repair the highways while sports and information technology would be accorded priority to benefit the youths.

(With inputs from agencies)

The newly appointed chief minister of Mizoram, Zoramthanga, claimed on Saturday that his party Mizo National Front would not leave the BJP-led NDA and the North East Democratic Alliance.

The newly appointed chief minister of Mizoram, Zoramthanga, claimed on Saturday that his party Mizo National Front would not leave the BJP-led NDA and the North East Democratic Alliance. After taking oath as the chief minister of the state, Zoramthanga said to the reporters, "There is no intention at this juncture to leave the NDA and NEDA". He further said that his government would majorly focus on combating alcoholism and drug addiction and added that he would work on the development project in the state from day 1. Zoranthanga who took over the state after a decade is heading for a third term in the state. Although facing criticism from certain sections in the Christian-dominated state for joining hands with the BJP, Zoramthanga said the MNF's ties with the NDA and NEDA will continue. "With vast lands available for cultivation, we hope to increase the per capita income so that it is among the highest in the country," he said. He emphasized the need for good roads saying that efforts would be made to repair the highways while sports and information technology would be accorded priority to benefit the youths. (With inputs from agencies)

MNF not to leave NDA or NEDA: Mizoram CM Zoramthanga

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

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."

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Zoramthanga,MNF(President): We will not have any coalition govt either with BJP or any other ways because my party can form the govt on its own as we have got 26 seats out of 40. We're a part of NEDA(North-East Democratic Alliance)&amp;NDA but we wouldn't like to join Congress or UPA <a href="https://t.co/6oNlOMfnBm">pic.twitter.com/6oNlOMfnBm</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1072444880193052672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Zoramthanga ruled out the possibility of an alliance and exuded the confidence of forming the government on own.&nbsp;

"We will not have any coalition government either with BJP or any other ways because my party can form the government on its own as we have got 26 seats out of 40. We're a part of NEDA (North-East Democratic Alliance) and NDA but we wouldn't like to join," he added.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, incumbent Mizoram Chief Minister and Congress candidate <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/five-time-mizoram-cm-lal-thanhawla-loses-both-seats-183249">Lal Thanhawla lost</a> from both his home turf Serchhip and Champhai South seat Tuesday, Election Commission sources said, news agency PTI reported.

Lal Thanhawla was defeated in Serchhip by the Zoram People's Movement's (ZPM) chief ministerial candidate Lalduhoma by a margin of 410 votes, they said.

He also lost to TJ Lalnuntluanga, a political novice and Mizo National Front (MNF) nominee, by a margin of 1,049 votes in Champhai South constituency near the Myanmar border.&nbsp;

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.

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." Zoramthanga,MNF(President): We will not have any coalition govt either with BJP or any other ways because my party can form the govt on its own as we have got 26 seats out of 40. We're a part of NEDA(North-East Democratic Alliance)&NDA but we wouldn't like to join Congress or UPA pic.twitter.com/6oNlOMfnBm — ANI (@ANI) December 11, 2018 × Zoramthanga ruled out the possibility of an alliance and exuded the confidence of forming the government on own. "We will not have any coalition government either with BJP or any other ways because my party can form the government on its own as we have got 26 seats out of 40. We're a part of NEDA (North-East Democratic Alliance) and NDA but we wouldn't like to join," he added. 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. Lal Thanhawla was defeated in Serchhip by the Zoram People's Movement's (ZPM) chief ministerial candidate Lalduhoma by a margin of 410 votes, they said. He also lost to TJ Lalnuntluanga, a political novice and Mizo National Front (MNF) nominee, by a margin of 1,049 votes in Champhai South constituency near the Myanmar border.

After winning Mizoram, MNF chief says first priority is 'to impose prohibition, repair roads'

Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla is among the nine candidates facing criminal cases out of over 200 in the fray for the state Assembly election, according to a report by two civil society organisations.

Mizo National Front (MNF) president and former chief minister Zoramthanga is another bigwig fighting criminal charges, the report of the Mizoram Election Watch (MEW) and Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) said.

It is based on affidavits filed to the Election Commission by the aspirants.

The others facing criminal charges are V Malsawmtluanga (Independent), Vl Zahawma Chawngthu (BJP), Rasik Mohan Chakma (MNF), Lalduhpuii (BJP), James Thanghmingmawia (Congress) and R Lalthangliana (MNF).

Out of the nine contestants, only four are facing serious criminal cases, it said.

While the Congress and the MNF are contesting all 40 constituencies this time, the BJP is fighting in 39 seats with an aim to open its account for the first time in Mizoram.

The state goes to poll on November 28.

Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla is among the nine candidates facing criminal cases out of over 200 in the fray for the state Assembly election, according to a report by two civil society organisations.

Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla is among the nine candidates facing criminal cases out of over 200 in the fray for the state Assembly election, according to a report by two civil society organisations. Mizo National Front (MNF) president and former chief minister Zoramthanga is another bigwig fighting criminal charges, the report of the Mizoram Election Watch (MEW) and Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) said. It is based on affidavits filed to the Election Commission by the aspirants. The others facing criminal charges are V Malsawmtluanga (Independent), Vl Zahawma Chawngthu (BJP), Rasik Mohan Chakma (MNF), Lalduhpuii (BJP), James Thanghmingmawia (Congress) and R Lalthangliana (MNF). Out of the nine contestants, only four are facing serious criminal cases, it said. While the Congress and the MNF are contesting all 40 constituencies this time, the BJP is fighting in 39 seats with an aim to open its account for the first time in Mizoram. The state goes to poll on November 28.

Mizoram CM Lal Thanhawla among nine candidates facing criminal cases

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 Mizo National Front (MNF), a constituent of the BJP-led North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), Friday reiterated it would not form an alliance with the BJP for the upcoming election to the 40-member Mizoram Assembly scheduled to be held on November 28.

MNF secretary for information and publicity Lalthanzuala Hnamte cited a Tripurainfo online news report to say that there were claims in the local media that the BJP and the MNF have reached an agreement to forge an alliance.

The news report said Tripura BJP general secretary Pratima Bhowmik has indicated that in a fractured post-poll scenario the opposition MNF may form a coalition with the BJP to form a government.

Bhowmik was also quoted as saying that the MNF could not have a pre-poll alliance because of a genuine fear of backlash from the majority Mizo voters but when the question of government formation will come up there will be no difficulty in forming a post-poll alliance or coalition.

"Distorting the statement of the Tripura BJP leader, people are spreading rumours to tarnish the image of the MNF, saying that the Mizo party and the BJP have reached an understanding in case of a hung assembly," Hnamte said.

He said the MNF president Zoramthanga had made it clear that the MNF would go alone and would not form any alliance with other political parties.

BJP leaders Amit Shah and Ram Madhav, in Mizoram recently, had also clearly said that their party would not have any alliance with the MNF, he said.

"The MNF and the BJP leadership had never met to deliberate on pre- or post-poll alliance for coming assembly polls," he said, adding, it was the ruling Congress which formed a coalition government with the BJP in Chakma Autonomous District Council.&nbsp;

The Mizo National Front (MNF), a constituent of the BJP-led North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), Friday reiterated it would not form an alliance with the BJP for the upcoming election to the 40-member Mizoram Assembly scheduled to be held on November 28.

The Mizo National Front (MNF), a constituent of the BJP-led North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), Friday reiterated it would not form an alliance with the BJP for the upcoming election to the 40-member Mizoram Assembly scheduled to be held on November 28. MNF secretary for information and publicity Lalthanzuala Hnamte cited a Tripurainfo online news report to say that there were claims in the local media that the BJP and the MNF have reached an agreement to forge an alliance. The news report said Tripura BJP general secretary Pratima Bhowmik has indicated that in a fractured post-poll scenario the opposition MNF may form a coalition with the BJP to form a government. Bhowmik was also quoted as saying that the MNF could not have a pre-poll alliance because of a genuine fear of backlash from the majority Mizo voters but when the question of government formation will come up there will be no difficulty in forming a post-poll alliance or coalition. "Distorting the statement of the Tripura BJP leader, people are spreading rumours to tarnish the image of the MNF, saying that the Mizo party and the BJP have reached an understanding in case of a hung assembly," Hnamte said. He said the MNF president Zoramthanga had made it clear that the MNF would go alone and would not form any alliance with other political parties. BJP leaders Amit Shah and Ram Madhav, in Mizoram recently, had also clearly said that their party would not have any alliance with the MNF, he said. "The MNF and the BJP leadership had never met to deliberate on pre- or post-poll alliance for coming assembly polls," he said, adding, it was the ruling Congress which formed a coalition government with the BJP in Chakma Autonomous District Council.

No electoral alliance with BJP in upcoming Mizoram polls: MNF

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