Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Aizawl: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma took over as president of the Zoram People’s Movement on Monday, September 21. He replaces Lalliansawta, who stepped aside due to ongoing health problems. ZPM Val Upa Council secretary Thangchungnunga confirmed the leadership shakeup at an Aizawl party event. The party chose to end current terms early to address these leadership gaps.
Dr. Kenneth Chawngliana, the State Planning Board vice-chairman and former Speaker, steps in as senior vice-president. Lalmuanpuia Punte, who serves as the Chief Minister’s political adviser and represents Hrangturzo, joins as vice-president. T. Lalhlimpuia, the Lunglei West MLA, will handle the books as treasurer. The executive committee acted after the previous team became unable to function effectively, noting that "the VUC, the highest decision-making body of the ZPM, was entrusted with appointing new office-bearers after the existing leaders were unable to remain active due to health-related reasons."
The shift follows a strategic constitutional change. The ZPM executive committee amended Article 21 to allow the Chief Minister to hold an elected party position while leading the state. This privilege does not extend to other ministers, who remain barred from holding elected office within the organization. This update marks a fresh start for the party as they prepare for the 2026-28 term.
Updated at 22nd September 2026 at 2:18am
Lalduhoma says the party will road-test the dual-role arrangement. If it fails to deliver, he plans to pivot to a different system. He acknowledged that the party previously viewed holding both the Chief Minister and party president posts as undesirable, but the leadership shift marks a pragmatic turn. The world keeps changing, and the only thing that does not change is change itself, Lalduhoma said.
The Chief Minister also stressed the need for strict internal discipline. He warned against members chasing positions for personal gain or working to undermine leadership. He claimed that selecting a Chief Ministerial candidate before the election previously helped the party avoid infighting.
Leadership turnover began earlier this year. In April, senior vice-president W. Chhuanawma stepped away from his duties due to ongoing health struggles.
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