Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) leader Lalduhoma was sworn in as the new chief minister of Mizoram on Friday. He was administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati at the Raj Bhavan complex in Aizawl. Along with Lalduhoma, seven other ministers were also administered oath by the Governor.
Mizoram can appoint 12 ministers, including the CM, in the 40-member House.
The swearing-in ceremony saw the presence of all MNF MLAs, including MNF leader and outgoing Chief Minister Zoramthanga, the party’s legislature party leader Lalchhandama Ralte and ex-CM Lal Thanhawla.
The ZPM, which was registered as a political party only in 2019, ousted the Mizo National Front (MNF) headed by outgoing chief minister Zoramthanga bagging 27 seats, increasing its tally from 8 in the 2018 polls. The MNF which bagged 26 seats in 2018 won only 10 this polls.
Chief Ministers of several north-east states have congratulated the new CM.
Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu wrote on X, “Congratulations to ZPM leader, Shri Lalduhoma Ji, on being sworn in as Chief Minister of Mizoram. My best wishes for your successful and fruitful tenure. May the State achieve new heights of development under your able leadership.”
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also congratulated Pu Lalduhoma on assuming office.
Polling for the 40-member Mizoram Assembly on November 7 and counting of votes was held on December 4.
On Wednesday, ZPM media cell general secretary Eddy Zosangliana said that the Val Upa Council, an advisory body of the party, met Lalduhoma to decide the formation of the council of ministers.
A day earlier, Mizoram Chief Electoral Officer Madhup Vyas along with election officials called on the Guv to hand over the gazette with the names of 40 newly elected candidates.
Lalduhoma, an ex-IPS officer had served as the security in charge of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He has won from the Sercchip Assembly constituency. The ZPM Legislature Party on Tuesday had elected Lalduhoma as its leader and K Sapdanga was selected as the deputy leader.