Aizawl, 8 Dec (Zoram News): In a historic development, Mizoram witnessed the swearing-in of Lalduhoma, leader of the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), as the chief minister, marking the first non-Congress, non-Mizo National Front (MNF) government in the state. Alongside Lalduhoma, 11 ministerial colleagues took the oath of office, ushering in a new era of governance in the region.
Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati administered the oath to the 12 first-time ministers at the Raj Bhavan, signifying a fresh start for Mizoram's political landscape. Among the winning ZPM MLAs, 20 are first-time legislators, showcasing a significant shift in the state's political dynamics.
Lalduhoma, a former IPS officer-turned-politician with over 38 years of political experience, retained six key departments, including finance, planning and development, vigilance, law and judicial, general administration, and political and cabinet departments. K. Sapdanga, the ZPM deputy leader, was assigned four departments, including home, urban development, personnel, and disaster management.
Lalrinpuii, the woman minister, will oversee three crucial departments: health, tourism, and social welfare. Other cabinet ministers have been allocated specific portfolios, ranging from environment and forest to school and higher education.
In his address to the media, Lalduhoma outlined his first 100-day priorities, emphasizing austerity measures, economic reforms, and the discontinuation of the MNF’s Socio Economic Development Programme (SEDP). The latter had become a contentious issue during the elections.
Lalduhoma's agenda also includes addressing the boundary problem with Assam, ensuring transparency to combat corruption, and prioritizing farmers' welfare. The swearing-in ceremony was attended by his predecessors, Zoramthanga and Lalthanhawla, symbolizing a smooth transition of power.
The BJP, which won two seats, had expressed a willingness to collaborate with any party in the state, except the Congress. However, Lalduhoma's decision to form a complete ZPM government indicates a different direction.
Mizoram, a Christian-majority state, has historically distanced itself from the BJP-led regime due to concerns about the alleged harassment of minorities. The BJP will now assume the role of the opposition, as the ZPM government takes charge with a focus on resolving regional issues and ensuring inclusive governance.