Congress poll managers camping in Aizawl as 10-year political cycle haunts the grand old party

AIZAWL: Mizoram’s tryst with 10 year cycle of a political party staying in power is worrying the ruling Congress. Congress is ruling the state for last 10 years.
Pre-election desertion of top leaders is likely to cost the Congress with the grand old party, being in power for two consecutive terms, is also facing anti-incumbency.

The Congress is locked in a three way tussle. Opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) seems well placed in urban seats while Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), the seven party electoral alliance, is likely to corner some seats and emerge as a disrupter.

Already the exit polls have hinted at hung assembly, according to CVoter, with Congress likely to get 14 to 18 seats in the state while MNF may get 16-20. CVoter survey has given ZPM 3-7 seats and 0-3 seats for other parties and independents.

BJP is eyeing seats in the Bru dominated areas. India Today-Axis My India exit poll stated that MNF is likely to secure 16-22 seats in the 40-member Mizoram assembly and congress may get 8-12 seats. They have given 8 to 12 seats to ZPM.

Hyderabad based political research organization Peoples Pulse has predicted that ruling Congress is set to get 14-19 seats, while MNF will get 15-19 seats, the ZPM 2-4 seats and the BJP 0-2 seats.

ZPM has hinted that it will play crucial role in next government formation. ZPM’s chief ministerial candidate Lalduhoma told ET: "People’s verdict is in favour of ZPM. If required, we will support other parties in government formation in case there is a fractured mandate. However, ZPM will lead the government."

Congress poll managers from New Delhi, Assam and Mizoram have swung into action. A senior congress leader told ET: "Even if we do not perform well we will not get less than 18 seats. We are sure that we will get 24 seats."

He added: "We are in talks with some leaders in case we require some MLAs. Pre-poll desertion of leaders has hit us. However, we will overcome it."

Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla is contesting from of Serchhip. He is pitted against ZPM’s Lalduhoma. People’s Represent for Identity and Status of Mizoram (PRISM) president Vanlalruata is also contesting from this seat. While Lalchunglura is contesting from BJP, C Lalramzuva is contesting from MNF. Kapliana Pachuau is contesting on National People’s party ticket and Zaichhawna Hlawndo is contesting as an independent.