Five members of the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) in the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) in Mizoram joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on January 11, reshaping the political balance in the 20-member council.
The defections come just days after the ZPM claimed it had the support of 16 members in the council and urged Governor V.K. Singh to order a floor test. The development also follows the Mizoram Cabinet’s recent statement that there was no political instability in the CADC that would justify extending Governor’s rule, which has been in force since July last year after authorities said no party had secured a clear majority.
Confirming the move, BJP district president Durjya Dhan Chakma told PTI that the five council members first resigned from the ZPM before formally joining the BJP. With their induction, the BJP’s strength in the council has risen to seven members.
Chakma added that one more council member is expected to join the BJP later this week, potentially further strengthening the party’s position.
After the defections, the ZPM’s strength in the CADC has dropped to 11 members. The Mizo National Front (MNF) holds one seat, while one member remains independent.
The latest political shifts are likely to intensify calls for a floor test and could have a bearing on the future of Governor’s rule in the Chakma Autonomous District Council.
