The Congress party has opted to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Mizoram independently after discussions for a pre-poll alliance with the Mizo National Front (MNF) failed to yield results, a senior leader of the party revealed.
Scheduled to release the name of its candidate for the single parliamentary seat in the northeastern state on Thursday, the Congress had engaged in negotiations with the MNF, aiming to form a joint front against the ruling Zoram People's Movement (ZPM).
"Despite efforts, consensus couldn't be achieved with the MNF regarding the alliance. Consequently, we have decided to pursue the elections independently," stated the Congress leader.
State Congress president Lal Thanzara is slated to unveil the candidate's identity during a formal event to be held on Thursday.
The MNF, led by former chief minister Zoramthanga, maintains its affiliation with the BJP-led North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) and stands as an ally of the NDA at the national level.
Meanwhile, the ruling ZPM, embarking on its maiden independent Lok Sabha campaign since its establishment in 2017, has nominated Richard Vanlalhmangaiha, a 46-year-old entrepreneur with no prior political experience, as its candidate.
Presently, C Lalrosanga of the MNF serves as the incumbent Member of Parliament from Mizoram.
Both the BJP and MNF are yet to disclose their respective candidates for the impending elections.
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