Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has embarked on a crucial two-day visit to Mizoram, where he is actively campaigning for the BJP candidate in the upcoming Dampa Assembly by-election. The election is scheduled for November 11.
Upon his arrival in Aizawl, the Union Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Minister immediately headed to the West Phaileng area, a significant part of the Dampa Assembly segment in Mamit district. Here, he is tirelessly campaigning for BJP’s candidate, Lalhmangaiha, as confirmed by Mizoram BJP media convener Johny Lalthanpuia.
Mr. Rijiju is set to hold a public rally in Reiek before concluding his visit and returning to Delhi on Thursday.
Adding to the BJP’s star power, other prominent central leaders, including Union Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Minister Jitendra Singh, are also expected to visit Mizoram to bolster support for the party’s nominee.
The campaign trail for the Dampa by-election is heating up, with all participating parties pulling out all the stops to win over voters.
Earlier, Chief Minister Lalduhoma expressed strong confidence in his party, the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), predicting a victory in the upcoming bypoll. He highlighted a historical trend in the state where ruling parties often perform well in Assembly by-elections.
Meanwhile, Congress president Lal Thanzara, during a rally in Kanghmung village, criticized both the ruling ZPM and the opposition Mizo National Front (MNF), accusing them of failing to deliver on past election promises.
The necessity for the Dampa bypoll arose following the unfortunate demise of the sitting MNF MLA, Lalrintluanga Sailo, on July 21.
This by-election is shaping up to be a vigorous five-cornered contest, with a diverse field of candidates from various political parties, as confirmed by election officials. The final deadline for candidates to withdraw their nominations is October 24.
The ruling ZPM has put forward Mizo singer and preacher Vanlalsailova. The main opposition MNF is represented by its senior vice president and former health minister Dr. R. Lalthangliana. The Congress party has nominated its vice president and former transport minister John Rotluangliana.
BJP’s candidate is Lalhmangaiha, and the People’s Conference (PC), a relatively smaller party, has also entered the fray with its Vice President K. Zahmingthanga.
The Dampa assembly segment currently boasts 20,790 registered voters, including 10,185 female voters, according to the final electoral roll published on September 30.