The opposition Congress in Mizoram has strongly criticised the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) for announcing its candidate for the upcoming Dampa assembly by-election before the Election Commission of India (ECI) declared the poll schedule. On Monday, the ZPM declared that popular Mizo singer Vanlalsailova would contest the vacant seat. The Dampa constituency fell vacant following the death of sitting MNF legislator Lalrintluanga Sailo on July 21.In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee said the ruling party’s decision broke with long-standing political tradition in the state. “No political party in Mizoram has ever announced a candidate for a by-election caused by the demise of a sitting MLA before the Election Commission’s notification. It has always been observed as a mark of respect to the departed leader,” the statement read.
The Congress also pointed out that when ZPM legislator Andrew H. Thangliana passed away in 2021, no party—including the Congress or the MNF—had made such a move. At the time, ZPM chief minister Lalduhoma had himself praised this practice as a gesture of political decorum.“The ZPM has shown dishonour to humanity by naming its candidate even before an obituary reference was made in the assembly,” the Congress alleged, accusing the ruling party of prioritising electoral gain over tradition and respect.
Meanwhile, preparations for the bypoll are underway in Mamit district. The district administration has already conducted a training session for eight sector officers, anticipating the Election Commission’s formal schedule in the coming weeks.
