ULP Leader C Lalsawmzuala Secures Confidence Vote in Lai Autonomous District Council
In a significant political development in Mizoram, C Lalsawmzuala, the leader of the United Legislature Party (ULP) in the Lai Autonomous District Council (LADC), successfully won a vote of confidence on the floor of the council on Thursday. This vote solidifies his position as the chief executive member (CEM) following his recent appointment by Mizoram governor Gen VK Singh on January 22.
Details of the Confidence Vote
The confidence vote was conducted in the LADC hall located in Lawngtlai town, situated in southern Mizoram. Presided over by council chairman C Lalmuanthanga, the proceedings saw C Lalsawmzuala garner support from 15 members of the district council (MDCs) out of the total 25-member house. Nine members voted against him, while one member was absent or abstained. His backing came from 14 ULP MDCs and independent MDC C Lalneihkhuma, demonstrating a consolidated alliance.
Background and Political Context
The political landscape in the LADC has been tumultuous since the December 3 election, which resulted in a fragmented mandate. The election outcomes were as follows:
- Mizo National Front (MNF): 8 seats
- Congress: 7 seats
- Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM): 6 seats
- BJP: 2 seats
- Independents: 2 seats
Initially, the MNF and Congress had a pre-poll alliance, but this arrangement was dissolved by the Congress on December 11, just two days after the results were declared. Subsequently, Congress and ZPM attempted to form a joint legislature party with Congress leader C Ngunlianchunga as the leader. However, this move was rejected by the ZPM general headquarters in Aizawl.
Formation of Alliances and Executive Committee
On December 15, ZPM and MNF came together to form the Lairam Legislature Party (LLP) and staked a claim to form the executive committee under ZPM leader T. Zakunga. This effort was short-lived, as the MNF withdrew its support from the LLP on January 6, disrupting Zakunga’s bid to establish the executive committee.
After weeks of intense consultations and a month-long political impasse, the MNF and Congress reached an agreement to form a coalition executive committee under the ULP banner. This alliance, comprising 15 MDCs, staked its claim to form the executive committee before the governor on January 9, paving the way for C Lalsawmzuala’s appointment and subsequent confidence vote.
Swearing-In and Administration
C Lalsawmzuala was officially sworn in as the chief executive member on Tuesday, with the oath administered by Lawngtlai deputy commissioner Donny Lalruatsanga. This ceremony marked a crucial step in stabilizing the council’s leadership after the prolonged period of uncertainty and political maneuvering.
The successful confidence vote underscores the resilience of the ULP-led coalition in navigating the complex political dynamics of the Lai Autonomous District Council. It highlights the strategic alliances formed in the wake of a fractured electoral outcome, ensuring governance continuity in this key region of Mizoram. As C Lalsawmzuala assumes his role, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how this new executive committee addresses local issues and fosters development in the area.
