Aizawl, Dec 5 – After a remarkable political journey spanning nearly four decades, Lalduhoma, a seasoned 74-year-old politician, appears on the brink of realizing a lifelong aspiration. The coveted role of chief minister, a position he has fervently pursued for years, now appears within reach as his party, the Zoram People’s Movement, celebrates a decisive triumph in the elections for the 40-seat Mizoram assembly.
Lalduhoma’s political odyssey commenced in 1984 when he transitioned from an IPS officer to the Mizoram Pradesh Congress president. Despite his early entry into politics, it took until 2003 for him to secure his first election as an MLA from the Ratu constituency. Forming the Zoram Nationalist Party (ZNP) in 1997 as a splinter group of the Mizo National Front, Lalduhoma, alongside Andrew Lalherliana, led the party to participate in the state assembly for the first time after the 2003 elections.
In subsequent polls, ZNP secured two Assembly seats in 2008, with Lalduhoma winning from the Aizawl West-I constituency. Lalduhoma’s political affiliations evolved through the years, navigating internal rifts and founding new parties. His tenacity led him to form the Zoram People’s Movement in 2017, merging with smaller political outfits. The party steadily grew as a potent third force, culminating in its impressive victory in the recently concluded elections.
As Lalduhoma stands at the threshold of the chief minister’s office, the culmination of his enduring efforts and strategic political maneuvers seems imminent. The former police officer turned seasoned politician is poised to take the oath of office and secrecy, marking the realization of a longstanding ambition.
