Congress had created history in Mizoram in 2008 when it won 32 out of 40 seats in assembly election on the promise of eradicating corruption.
After facing a debacle in four states, Congress on Monday received cheer in Mizoram where it stormed back to power for a second consecutive term capturing 22 of the 40 seats, while leading in four.
Of the 25 results declared so far, the main opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) lagged far behind bagging only three seats, the same number it had won in 2008.
The four-time Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla won from both Serchhip and Hrangturzo seats he had contested. In Serchhip, he won by a margin of 734 votes defeating his nearest MNF rival Lalramzauva, who got 4,985 votes in a four—cornered contest. In Hrangturzo, the Chief Minister defeated his Mizoram People’s Conference (MPC) rival Lalthansanga by 1,638 votes.
Of the eleven ministers who contested, eight have won. R. Lalzirliana (Home), J. H. Rothuama (Cooperation), P.C. Zoram Sangliana (Transport), H. Rohluna (Forests), Lalrinliana Sailo (Health), Lalsawta (Education), Zodintluanga (Sports) and P.C. Lalthanliana (Social Welfare) emerged victorious.
On the poll outcome, Lal Thanhawla said contrary to anti-incumbency playing a crucial role after completion of a five-year term, in Mizoram “pro-incumbency worked in favour of Congress”.
“I am going to form the next government in the state,” he said.
But the fact remains that in 2008, when Congress has come to power in Mizoram, it had created history by winning 32 out of 40 seats. Its vote share went down this time.
Last time, riding on the anti-incumbency, Congress had called party’s landslide victory as “people’s victory”. The main factor behind Congress victory was corruption in the state ruled by MNF at that time. The loss in seats may be seen as people’s verdict on Congress’ corruption too.
