Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Aizawl: Polling for Mizoram's sole Rajya Sabha seat concluded on June 18, with the vote count set to begin at 5 PM in the state Assembly building. A total of 36 legislators participated in the process, which wrapped up by 11 AM, well ahead of the scheduled 4 PM closing time.
The ruling Zoram People's Movement has nominated party spokesperson K. Laltluangkima for the seat, while the opposition Mizo National Front is represented by advocate Zothansangi Hmar. Twenty-six ZPM members and all 10 MNF legislators cast their ballots. ZPM lawmaker W. Chhuanawma was unable to vote due to health reasons, while the BJP and Congress chose to abstain.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma dismissed opposition claims of internal friction within his party. Addressing concerns about potential cross-voting, he stated, "The allegation that there is an internal squabble within the ZPM and potential cross-voting in the Rajya Sabha election is merely an attempt by the opposition to divert public attention." Despite this assurance, Leader of the Opposition Lalchhandama Ralte suggested that internal differences persist within the ruling party.
The ZPM currently holds a strong majority in the 40-member assembly with 27 seats, compared to 10 for the MNF, two for the BJP, and one for the Congress. The final outcome of the election will be determined once the counting process commences this evening.
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