The Mizo National Front (MNF) on Monday released the names of 39 candidates for the upcoming Assembly polls in Mizoram on November 28 by fielding 17 new faces.
MNF vice-president and campaign directorate chairman R. Tlanghmingthanga announced the names of 39 candidates out of 40 Assembly seats at a function held at Vanapa Hall here on Monday. One candidate from Tuichawng in the Chakma area is yet to be fielded.
The MNF has fielded 17 former legislator and MLAs, including five sitting MLAs and has brought in 17 new entrants.
MNF president Zoramthanga will contest from Aizawl East-I against Congress nominee K. Vanlalrawna and Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) nominee K. Sapdanga.
Former home minister R. Lalzirliana, who resigned recently and joined the MNF, will contest from Tawi constituency. He is pitted against BJP state president J.V. Hluna and Congress’ new entrant Rosiamngheta.
Lalrinliana Sailo, who recently quit as a Congress MLA and joined the MNF has been fielded at Chalfilh. He is pitted against Congress nominee L.T. Hrangchal.
Aizawl Football Club owner Robert Romawia Royte, who joined the MNF recently, has been fielded in Aizawl East-II against finance minister and Congress nominee Lalsawta.
Five sitting MLAs — Vanlalzawma, Lalruatkiam, K. Sangthuma, Lalrinawma and K. Beichhua — have been re-fielded in their respective constituencies.
MNF senior vice-president and former home minister Tawnluia will contest from Tuichang constituency. He is up against Congress debutante James Thanghminbgmawia.
Senior advocate C. Lalramzauva will be up against chief minister Lal Thanhawla and the ZPM’s chief ministerial candidate Lalduhoma at Serchhip.
The MNF also released its election manifesto on Thursday.
Speaking on the occasion, Zoramthanga apologised for the mistakes they had committed during their rule.
“We started our beginning in 2008 without any experience. There is no doubt that we have committed many mistakes during our rule. I express my apology again to the people,” he said.
He said the MNF government would bring all-round development, which is accessible to the people.
Zoramthanga said the Congress has no hope of winning the Assembly elections again as the people are fed up with the Congress rule. He said the MNF, if it comes to power, would upgrade all aided schools and would give special favours to Mizo contractors.
On the other hand, the Mizoram unit of the BJP named 13 candidates for the upcoming elections on Saturday night.
Hluna has been fielded at Tawi constituency against MNF’s Lalzirliana and Congress nominee Rosiamngheta, while BJP state general secretary Vanlalhmuaka will contest from Serlui Assembly constituency.
