Mizoram poll: Exit of 2 MLAs will not affect prospects, says Congress

Asserting that it was confident of a third term in the state, the ruling Congress in Mizoram on Wedneday said the exit of two senior MLAs from the party would not affect its prospects in the upcoming Assembly election. The election is scheduled to be held on November 28 in the state.

"With 32 MLAs, I am confident that we will win with comfortable majority to form the government for a third consecutive term. People of Mizoram have not lost faith in the leadership of Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla," AICC general secretary in-charge of the northeast Luizinho Faleiro said.

Two MLAs might have left, but hundreds of others are joining the party in Mizoram, the only Congress-ruled state in the northeastern region, Faleiro told a press conference.

Faleiro, a former chief minister of Goa, said the Congress would field as many young faces as possible in the election.

"At least 40 per cent of the young candidates would be below the age of 40."

The Congress' top leadership wants to axe some legislators who are too old to contest or may struggle to win, while ensuring that those left out are not many so as to form a rebel lobby, a senior state leader has said.

Home Minister R Lalzirliana, also vice-president of the state Congress, resigned on September 14. He was served a show-cause notice by the MPCC disciplinary committee accusing him of confusing party workers. He was expelled later. Another MLA and former minister Lalrinliana Sailo resigned earlier this month.

Both the leaders were expected to be fielded by the opposition Mizo National Front.

The party is scheduled to release its candidates' list Thursday.

The election for the 40-member Mizoram Assembly will be held on November 28 and counting of votes will be taken up on December 11.

The Congress, which has been in power in the state since 2008, is in fight against parties such as the MNF and the Mizo Peoples Conference.

( With inputs from PTI )