Mizoram CM Rejects Formal Alliance with NDA, Emphasizes Cooperative Relationship

Mizoram Chief Minister's Stance on NDA Alliance

Aizawl, Jun 24: Lalduhoma, the Chief Minister of Mizoram and president of the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM), firmly stated on Wednesday that the party will not pursue a formal alliance with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). He clarified that such a partnership is not being considered and does not align with the party's objectives.

This statement follows rumors suggesting that the ZPM had officially joined the NDA.

During a press briefing, Lalduhoma expressed that while the party appreciates its relationship with the central government, there is no pressing need for a formal political alliance.

He mentioned that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have consistently invited the ZPM to join the NDA since the party took power in Mizoram.

Despite these invitations, the ZPM has opted to foster a collaborative relationship with the Centre without entering into an alliance.

"From the very first meeting after we assumed office, the Prime Minister and Home Minister have repeatedly encouraged us to join them. However, we prefer to conclude our discussions positively, stating, 'Let’s maintain a good working relationship; we are effectively on your side.' Therefore, is it truly necessary for us to formalize our alignment at this moment?" Lalduhoma remarked.

The Chief Minister emphasized that the topic of joining the NDA has never been a subject of discussion within the party's Political Affairs Committee (PAC), highlighting that no formal proposal has been put forward.

"We have not joined the NDA. While other parties have, we are choosing a different route. We aim to sustain a strong relationship with the Centre, but an official alliance is not on our agenda," he stated.

Lalduhoma pointed out that Mizoram has historically thrived under a political culture where regional parties maintained constructive relationships with the ruling party at the Centre.

He reiterated that the ZPM is dedicated to being a "regional party with a national perspective."

Reflecting on the era of the Mizo Union when Mizoram was part of Assam and later a Union Territory, he noted that regional leaders often collaborated closely with the ruling parties in Dispur and New Delhi to secure developmental advantages for the state.

He also argued that the emergence of national parties in Mizoram has transformed the political landscape, diminishing the flexibility that regional parties previously had in maintaining working relationships with successive central governments.

Regarding the recent partnership between the ZPM and the BJP in the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC), Lalduhoma explained that this alliance was formed out of political necessity rather than ideological alignment.

He acknowledged that no single party had the necessary numbers to independently form the executive committee, making collaboration essential.

On Tuesday, the ZPM and BJP officially united to establish the Chakma Democratic Alliance Legislature Party, led by BJP member Nirupam Chakma, and claimed the right to form the executive committee in the CADC.

The BJP currently holds 10 seats in the council, while the ZPM has nine.

The CADC has been under Governor's Rule since January due to ongoing political instability, with the current period of Governor's Rule set to conclude in early July.