Rookie ZPM romps home as MNF fails to deliver

ZPM, led by Lalduhoma, wins 27 out of 40 seats, while MNF a distant second with 10, followed by BJP 2 and Cong 1

- PRASANTA MAZUMDAR

THE Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) wrested power from the Mizo National Front (MNF) in Mizoram on Monday by bagging 27 of the 40 seats.

The MNF was a distant second with 10 seats, followed by BJP two and Congress one. ZPM, MNF and Congress contested all 40 seats while BJP, which is trying to grow in the Christian-majority state, put up candidates in 23 seats. The Aam Aadmi Party, which contested four seats, drew a blank.

ZPM's chief ministerial candidate and former IPS officer Lalduhoma was among the prominent winners. He defeated MNF's J Malsawmzuala Vanchhawng by 2,982 votes in the Serchhip seat.