Cloud over Mizo opposition bid to forge common front

AIZAWL: The efforts made by all opposition parties in Mizoram to forge a common front against the ruling Congress in the coming Lok Sabha election has run into rough weather over selection of the common candidate.

Sources in Mizo National Front (MNF) told TOI that all other parties wanted a common candidate who does not belong to any political party, a prominent and untainted figure acceptable to the people, irrespective of party affiliations.

The talks among the constituent political parties of United Democratic Front (UDF) hit a deadlock after the Zoram Nationalist Party (ZNP) representatives proposed the names of its leaders for the UDF nominee.

The names of former Lok Sabha member and ZNP chief Lalduhoma, former minister and vice-president of ZNP F Malsawma and former state election commissioner C Ropianga were reportedly proposed by the party representatives during the meetings.

Other constituent parties, however, could not accept these names resulting in the stalemate, MNF sources said.

They added that talks are on to end the deadlock.

Constituents of UDF were MNF, the Mizoram People's Conference (MPC), ZNP, BJP, NCP, Hmar People's Convention (HPC), Maraland Democratic Front (MDF) and Paite Tribe Council (PTC).

Earlier, United Democratic Fron had decided that the alliance's candidate, if elected, would join the NDA in Parliament.