ZPM's Laltluangkima Wins Mizoram Rajya Sabha Seat with 26 Votes

Aizawl: K Laltluangkima, also known as Laltluangkima Khiangte, representing the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), has been elected to Mizoram’s lone Rajya Sabha seat. The election was held on Thursday, with the results announced by returning officer Zothansanga Ralte, who also serves as the secretary of the state legislative assembly. The Election Commission of India approved the outcome. Polling took place between 9 am and 4 pm, recording a voter turnout of 90 percent.

Out of the 40 members of the Mizoram assembly, 36 cast their votes. One ZPM legislator, W Chhuanawma, was unable to participate due to prolonged health issues, while two BJP legislators and the sole Congress legislator abstained from voting. ZPM, which holds 27 seats in the assembly, faced competition from the Mizo National Front (MNF), which has 10 MLAs and had fielded Zothansangi Hmar as its candidate.

Laltluangkima, aged 63, secured 26 votes, while Hmar received 10. Despite speculation on social media, there was no cross-voting during the election. Following his victory, Laltluangkima stated that he intends to represent the people of Mizoram in Parliament and advocate for issues raised by the state government. He will replace K Vanlalvena of the MNF, whose term concludes on July 18.

Mizoram has had a single Rajya Sabha seat since 1972, following its transition from being part of Assam to becoming a Union Territory.