Congress names retired police officer as candidate for Mizoram Lok Sabha seat
AIZAWL: The Congress party has officially nominated retired Mizoram Police Service (MPS) officer and former state home secretary Lalbiakzama (64), as its candidate for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Mizoram.
This decision comes after failed negotiations for a pre-poll alliance with the party's rival in Mizoram, the Mizo National Front (MNF).
The polling for the lone Lok Sabha seat in Mizoram is scheduled for April 19.
In a ceremony held at the Congress Bhawan in Aizawl, newly elected Mizoram Congress president Lal Thanzara announced Lalbiakzama as the party’s candidate.
Thanzara underscored that safeguarding the Mizo culture and religion would be the primary focus of the party's election campaign, which is set to commence on March 28.
Expressing confidence in the party's prospects, Lal Thanzara highlighted the upcoming elections as a battle between secularism and the Hindutva policy.
Also read: Congress to contest Lok Sabha elections in Mizoram independently
He attributed the Zoram People's Movement's (ZPM) victory in the Mizoram assembly elections last year to the electorate's desire for change, noting that sentiments might differ in the Lok Sabha polls.
Lalbiakzama, if elected, pledged to prioritize the welfare of the people of Mizoram.
He voiced concerns about the country's future under the BJP-led NDA rule and expressed hope for a change in leadership at the Centre post the Lok Sabha polls, particularly favouring the INDIA bloc.
Lalbiakzama's career spans several prestigious roles within the Mizoram Police Service (MPS), including overseas missions under the United Nations (UN).
He transitioned to the Mizoram home department, ultimately becoming the first MPS officer to hold the position of home secretary before retiring from service in 2020.
Lalbiakzama joined the Congress ahead of the Mizoram assembly elections in 2023.
Also read: Displaced Kuki-Zos from Manipur in Mizoram face challenges in participating in Lok Sabha polls
Over 8.6 lakh electorates, including 4.41 lakh female voters, are expected to participate in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in Mizoram.
Meanwhile, the ruling Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) has nominated entrepreneur Richard Vanlalhmangaiha (46), as its candidate, while the People's Conference (PC) party has named renowned Mizo singer and lyricist Rita Malsawmi (48) as its candidate.
The MNF is set to announce its candidate on Friday (March 22), with incumbent Lok Sabha member C Lalrosanga opting not to contest.
The Mizoram BJP is also poised to reveal its candidate soon.
The deadline for filing nominations is March 27.