Congress leader C Lalmuanthanga was sworn in as the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Lai Autonomous District Council (LADC) on Tuesday. He will lead a coalition administration with the Mizo National Front (MNF) in the 25-member council, headquartered in Lawngtlai town, south Mizoram. Established in 1972 under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, the LADC represents the ethnic Lai community and encompasses Lawngtlai and Sangau sub-divisions of Lawngtlai district.
Oath ceremony
Lawngtlai Deputy Commissioner Cheemala Siva Gopal Reddy administered the oath of office and secrecy to Lalmuanthanga during a formal swearing-in ceremony, marking the commencement of his tenure as the CEM.
Governor's rule
Previously under the leadership of the MNF, the council was placed under Governor's Rule on March 15. This decision came after the incumbent CEM, V Zirsanga, resigned just minutes before a floor test against his administration. Zirsanga faced a no-confidence motion following allegations of misappropriating funds during his tenure, leading to a court sentence of four years imprisonment in February.
Political impasse
Following Zirsanga's resignation, no single party secured the majority required to form a functioning council. With both the ruling and opposition camps holding 12 members each, the council was left in a deadlock.
Coalition formation
In a bid to break the impasse, 12 MNF members joined forces with the lone Congress member, C Lalmuanthanga, to form the United Legislature Party. Together, they staked claim to run the LADC, presenting a united front to Governor Hari Babu Kamphampati, who approved their coalition on May 7.
Way forward
With the new coalition in place, Lalmuanthanga and his team are poised to address the challenges facing the LADC and work towards the welfare and development of the Lai community. As the council embarks on a new chapter under its fresh leadership, expectations are high for effective governance and inclusive decision-making.
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