New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has taken its first major stride in the run-up to the forthcoming Mizoram Assembly elections by unveiling a roster of a dozen candidates.

In this preliminary list, the BJP's Mizoram chapter is placing its trust in Vanlalhmuaka, who currently serves as the unit's head, as he prepares to vie for the Dampa constituency. The party has strategically positioned former Mizoram Assembly speaker, Lalrinliana Sailo, as its representative for the Mamit constituency. Meanwhile, the party is rallying behind PS Zatluanga, granting him the coveted ticket for the Champai North seat.

In contrast, the Congress party has already set its political chess pieces on the board by declaring its contestants for all 40 seats in the impending Mizoram Assembly elections. In the maiden list of 39 candidates, which was revealed earlier this week, the Congress has presented Lalsanglura Ralte as its candidate for the Aizwal East-I constituency—a position currently held by the Mizo National Front (MNF) president and Chief Minister, Zoramthanga.

The Mizoram Congress Committee Chief, Lalsawta, is the chosen standard-bearer for Aizawl West-III (ST). Lalnunmawia Chuaungo has clinched the party's endorsement for the Aizawl North-I (ST) seat. Furthermore, Lalrindika Ralte is primed for competition in the Hachhek (ST) constituency, Lalhmingthanga Sailo will represent Dampa (ST), and Lalrinmawia is the designated contender for Aizawl North-II.

The Congress party has also announced that Meriam L Hrangchal will be competing in the Lunglei South constituency for the elections in the northeastern state.

In the 40-member Mizoram assembly, the Mizo National Front secured 26 seats with a 37.8 percent vote share in the 2018 elections. The Congress party, in contrast, secured five seats, while the BJP managed to clinch just one.

The electoral calendar for the region is set, with Mizoram polls scheduled for November 7. Chhattisgarh's electorate will be split into two phases, with voting on November 7 and November 17. Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh will have its turn on November 17, Rajasthan on November 25, and Telangana on November 30. The much-anticipated tallying of votes will transpire on December 3 in all the states.

Of the five states, the Chhattisgarh polls will be the most protracted, extending across two phases. With the announcement of poll dates, the Model Code of Conduct has officially taken effect.

These state elections are poised to be of paramount importance, as they unfold just months ahead of the Lok Sabha elections scheduled for April-May next year.

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