Photo Courtesy: nenews
Aizawl: The Zoram People’s Movement achieved a historic political milestone on Thursday as senior leader K Laltluangkima won the election for Mizoram’s lone Rajya Sabha seat. This victory marks the first time the party has secured representation in the Upper House of Parliament since its formation in 2017.
Laltluangkima gathered 26 votes within the 40-member Assembly, comfortably defeating his nearest challenger, Zothansangi Hmar of the Mizo National Front, who received 10 votes. The election results mirrored the current legislative strength of the parties involved. Three lawmakers abstained from the process, including BJP members K Beichhua and K Hrahmo, as well as Congress legislator C Ngunlianchunga. Another ZPM lawmaker, W Chhuanawma, was unable to vote for health reasons.
The victory solidifies the dominance of the ZPM, which holds 27 seats in the local legislature. Assembly Secretary and Returning Officer Zothansanga Ralte confirmed the results, cementing Laltluangkima as the eighth person from Mizoram to enter the Upper House since the state became a Union Territory in 1972.
Laltluangkima brings a unique background to his new role. Beyond his political career as a member of the ZPM Political Affairs Committee, he spent over a decade managing the Synod Electronic Communication Department for the Mizoram Presbyterian Church. He also founded a children’s magazine, Kristian Naupang, and holds a Master’s degree in Plumbing from an institution in Maryland. Reflecting on the significance of the win, a report stated, "With his election, the ZPM has added a new chapter to its political journey, extending its presence from the Mizoram Assembly to the national legislature."
Comments