Who Will Represent BJP in Mizoram's Dampa Assembly Bypoll?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The BJP has announced Lalhmingthanga as its candidate for the Dampa assembly bypoll.
- The Dampa seat was vacated following the death of the previous MNF legislator.
- Political analysts predict a competitive four-way contest.
- Congress aims to leverage this bypoll to improve its standing ahead of the 2028 elections.
- The constituency has a diverse demographic, including minorities.
New Delhi/Aizawl, Sep 19 (NationPress) The Bharatiya Janata Party has declared its candidate for the forthcoming bypoll to the Dampa assembly constituency in Mizoram.
According to Arun Singh, the party's National General Secretary and in-charge of Headquarters, the Central Election Committee has officially chosen Lalhmingthanga as the candidate for this important by-election.
Lalhmingthanga recently became a member of the BJP.
The Dampa seat in Mizoram's western Mamit district became vacant following the death of its previous legislator, Lalrintluanga, from the Mizo National Front (MNF) on July 21.
While the Election Commission has yet to release the timetable for the bypoll, political analysts predict a competitive four-way contest for the Dampa Assembly seat.
Lal Thanzara, the President of the State Congress, expressed optimism about the party's chances in the bypoll, asserting that the residents of Dampa maintain a strong allegiance to the Congress, which has led Mizoram for many years.
He mentioned that a victory in the Dampa bypoll would enhance the party's prospects for the 2028 state Assembly elections.
Furthermore, the Congress is gearing up for the 2026 Aizawl Municipal Corporation elections, viewing it as a critical step toward reclaiming power in the upcoming assembly polls.
Thanzara, who is the brother of former Chief Minister and long-serving state party chief Lal Thanhawla, noted that many constituents were disappointed after the Congress did not regain power in the 2023 assembly elections.
He asserted that the ruling Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) is gradually creating opportunities for the Congress to stage a comeback in this northeastern state.
Both the ruling ZPM and the main opposition party, MNF, have already announced their candidates for the bypoll.
The MNF has named former health minister R. Lalthangliana as its candidate, while the ZPM has selected the well-known Mizo singer Vanlalsailova.
It is noteworthy that the Dampa constituency, which shares a border with Bangladesh, has a significant population of minorities, including Chakmas and Reang tribals.