K. Laltluangkima of the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) has been elected as Mizoram’s new representative to the Rajya Sabha. This marks a significant milestone for the ruling party, as Laltluangkima becomes the ZPM’s first-ever Member of Parliament in the Upper House since the party came to power.
The election was held at the Mizoram Legislative Assembly Secretariat, with 36 out of 40 MLAs casting their votes. Laltluangkima secured 26 votes, defeating the Mizo National Front’s (MNF) candidate Zothansangi Hmar, who received 10 votes. Three legislators abstained from voting, including the state’s two BJP MLAs and the lone Congress MLA, while one ZPM legislator could not vote due to health reasons. Laltluangkima, who currently serves as the official spokesperson of the ZPM, was declared elected after formal clearance was received from the Election Commission of India.
His victory was widely anticipated, given the ZPM’s comfortable majority in the 40-member Assembly. Laltluangkima will succeed outgoing Rajya Sabha MP K. Vanlalvena of the Mizo National Front, whose term expires in July.
The election marks a new chapter in the ZPM’s history, as the party gains its first representation in the Rajya Sabha since its formation.
