In a significant political development, Mizoram's Information & Public Relations Minister, B Lalchhanzova, has made a strong appeal to Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati to immediately restore democratic governance in the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC). The call comes after the expiration of a six-month period of Governor's Rule in the council.
Demand for Democratic Restoration
Addressing a press conference in Aizawl on Wednesday, Lalchhanzova, who also chairs the ruling Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) media department, stated that the Governor's Rule was initially imposed on July 7 last year. This action was taken despite the ZPM legislature party staking its claim to form the executive committee, backed by a commanding majority of 16 members in the 20-member council. "Today, the six-month Governor's Rule is over, and we desire that democratic rule be restored in the CADC," the minister asserted.
Consultations and Concerns
Lalchhanzova revealed that Governor Kambhampati, through the chief secretary, had consulted the state council of ministers on Tuesday. This consultation was held under Paragraph 20BB of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to deliberate on two key issues: whether the CADC should remain under suspension and the potential constitution of a fresh inquiry commission.
The minister pointed out that three separate reports have already scrutinized the CADC's functioning:
- A report by an earlier inquiry commission.
- A study team headed by the chief secretary.
- A report from the deputy commissioner of Lawngtlai district.
The council of ministers concluded that these existing reports were sufficient and that no new commission was necessary. On the critical question of extending Governor's Rule, the ministers observed that the ZPM, with its 16 MDCs (Members of District Council), remains fully capable of forming a stable government.
Clear Recommendation and Potential Opposition
In line with earlier directions from the high court to explore all avenues for government formation, the council of ministers formally recommended allowing the ZPM to constitute the executive committee. Lalchhanzova emphasized, "Even after the expiry of the present term of Governor's Rule, the party capable of forming the govt continues to be in a position to do so. Therefore, there is no justification for extending Governor's Rule."
However, the minister expressed concern that the governor might still opt to extend the rule instead of permitting the formation of the committee. He noted that representatives of the CADC ZPM legislature party, led by Lakhan Chakma, had previously met the governor at Lok Bhavan, where he assured them he would "give them a new year blessing." Lalchhanzova warned that the ruling party would strongly oppose any move to block the formation of the executive committee and demanded a floor test to incontrovertibly establish majority support.
The press conference was notably attended by 15 of the 16 ZPM MDCs, along with CADC district president T Karan Dewan and ZPM legal board chairman Vanlalsiama, underscoring the party's unified stance on this issue.
