BJP fields Lalhmangaiha for Dampa bypoll in Mizoram

Aizawl: The Mizoram opposition party BJP on Monday fielded Lalhmangaiha as its candidate for the by-election to the Dampa Assembly seat.

The Election Commission has yet to announce the date of the bypoll.

State BJP president Dr. K. Beichhua announced Lalhmangaiha as the party's candidate during a function held at the BJP office in Aizawl.

Lalhmangaiha, a former Congress member, has contested the Dampa Assembly seat twice before.

The 50-year-old BJP leader previously worked as a teacher and has been actively involved in church activities.

After announcing the candidate’s name, Beichhua urged the people of Dampa to vote for the BJP to bring development to the constituency.

He stated that, if the BJP wins, it will directly connect Dampa with Delhi, just like it has done in the Siaha and Palak constituencies where its legislators are in power.

The ruling Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) earlier nominated Mizo singer and preacher Vanlalsailova. The main opposition MNF fielded its senior vice president and former health minister, Dr. R. Lalthangliana, while the Congress nominated its vice president and former transport minister, John Rotluangliana.

The People's Conference (PC) party decided not to contest the bypoll.

The Dampa Assembly seat, located in west Mizoram's Mamit district, became vacant following the death of sitting MNF legislator Lalrintluanga Sailo on July 21.

According to political analysts, the Dampa bypoll will serve as an important indicator of Mizoram’s political landscape ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections.

They noted that the outcome is especially crucial for the ZPM, MNF, and BJP.

Victory in the bypoll would not only boost the ZPM’s morale but also improve its chances of retaining power in 2028, they said.

For the MNF, a win is essential to retain the position of Leader of the Opposition in the 40-member Assembly. The party currently holds 10 seats — the minimum required to retain the post.

For the BJP, success in the bypoll would strengthen the party's presence and help it earn greater public trust in Mizoram, a Christian-majority state where it has struggled to gain ground due to the perception of being 'communal' and 'anti-Christian,' the analysts added.