AIZAWL, JUN 22 (PTI): Zoram People’s Movement leader and Adviser to the Chief Minister, TBC Lalvenchhunga, on Monday rejected opposition’s allegations of internal division within the ruling party, asserting that the ZPM government continues to perform better than previous administrations despite differences of opinion among party members.
Addressing a function at the party office here, Lalvenchhunga said that differing views were natural in any democratic organisation but rejected claims that the party was facing internal disunity. “Divergent opinions do exist, which is entirely normal, but allegations claiming an internal rift within the ZPM party are completely false. Even if we are not the absolute ideal, we are still performing better than the previous governments, “ he said.
Lalvenchhunga, a legislator from Aizawl West-I constituency, who is also a member of the party’s Political Affairs Committee (PAC), urged party workers to place the interests of Mizoram and its people above personal ambitions.
Emphasising unity within the party, he said there was no distinction between senior and junior members in the ZPM. “ZPM was built collectively by all of us. When our chief minister (Lalduhoma) and ministers look good, we all look good. The reputation of the CM and ministers reflects positively on the entire party,” he said. Lalvenchhunga also called upon party leaders and workers to uphold integrity and ensure that those in positions of authority do not engage in wrongdoing. “Let us never pressure anyone to do what is wrong. We must be willing to stand up and say, ‘I will not accept that.’ We should have the courage to guide the people along the right path,” he said.
Referring to recent political discussions and speculation, Lalvenchhunga said that differences between party leaders such as Chief Minister Lalduhoma and Home Minister K Sapdanga had once again become subjects of public debate.
However, he maintained that there was no division within the party and acknowledged that some PAC (ZPM high command) deliberations had been leaked and distorted, giving rise to rumours and unnecessary speculation.
“There are individuals who twist reports and wouldn’t mind seeing us disintegrate. But we will not break apart; instead, we will continue to reform and improve,” the ZPM leader said.
Recently, the leader of the opposition Lalchhandama Ralte had alleged that the ZPM was facing a serious internal rift, which could shake the party’s organisational set-up, a charge denied by Lalduhoma.
Amid the allegation, the Mizoram government recently reshuffled a ministerial portfolio, giving the key charge of Personnel and Administrative Reforms to Lalduhoma, relieving Sapdanga of the charge.
In March last year, Sapdanga, who now holds only Home, and Urban and Poverty Alleviation portfolios, had also been relieved of the Disaster Management and Rehabilitation charge.
Lalduhoma was sworn in as the chief minister of Mizoram on December 8, 2023.
MNF preparing for returning to power in Mizoram: Ex-CM
Mizo National Front (MNF) president Zoramthanga on Monday said that the party is actively preparing for a return to power in Mizoram and urged party workers and supporters to remain firm.
The Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) came to power in the state in the December 2023 assembly elections by defeating the incumbent MNF.
Addressing a party function here, Zoramthanga declared that the MNF is already laying the groundwork for its future electoral battles.
“The MNF is preparing itself to form the government again. Necessary steps are being taken in that direction, and I urge party members to remain united, committed, and firm in their faith,” the former chief minister said.
The MNF is part of the BJP-led North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) and is an ally of the NDA at the Centre. The party now has 10 legislators in the 40-member Mizoram Assembly. The next state election is due in 2028.
Zoramthanga said the peace enjoyed by Mizoram is a gift from God and carries with it a responsibility to promote and preserve the message of peace.
“The peace God has given us is not merely for our own benefit. It has been granted so that we may continue to share the good news of peace with others,” the former rebel leader turned politician said.
He claimed that the world increasingly recognises the value of peace and the historic role played by the MNF in bringing peace to Mizoram. Highlighting the party’s guiding principles, the former Chief Minister said the MNF’s distinct identity lies in its commitment to God and the welfare of the Mizo people.
“The MNF has no special glory of its own. What sets us apart is our dedication to God and our land. Although there are times when we face debacles, our faith in God has remained unwavering, and it is the Lord who lifts us again,” he said.
Zoramthanga also said that he recently visited New Delhi, where he met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and several other leaders.
