In a dramatic political shift, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to form the government in the Lai Autonomous District Council (LADC) after welcoming two new members, including N. Zangura, an MDC from the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM). Zangura was formally inducted into the BJP on Thursday, marking a significant change in the balance of power in the council. The 29-member LADC, which had previously been controlled by ZPM, has now witnessed a realignment with two members defecting to the BJP. With the support of 11 Members of the Legislative Council (MDCs) from the Mizo National Front (MNF), the BJP is now poised to take control of the council.
However, this political upheaval has not been without its share of controversy. The BJP has accused the ZPM of forcibly abducting Tuturu Singh, the former Deputy Chief Whip of LADC, as he made his way to Aizawl for his formal induction into the BJP. According to BJP Mizoram President Vanlalhmuaka, Singh was intercepted by vehicles—some of which were reportedly carrying Executive Member nameplates of LADC—near Sazaikawn in Lunglei and forcibly taken to Lawngtlai. Vanlalhmuaka condemned the incident, calling it a violation of Singh’s constitutional rights and labeling the actions as “undemocratic and high-handed.” He further emphasized, “This is a grave breach of democratic norms. Such intimidation and political coercion have no place in a democratic society.”
The BJP’s Mizoram Secretary has filed an official complaint with the Director General of Police and forwarded the matter to top party leaders, including BJP National President J.P. Nadda and North East Coordinator Dr. Sambit Patra. LADC, with 29 seats in total—25 of which are elected and four nominated by the Governor—has seen a dramatic shift in its power dynamics. With the new defections, the BJP now holds a clear majority, signaling a potential change in leadership at the district level.
