A woman, delimitation and Zoramthanga

Aizwal, Nov 25 (UNI) A strong woman candidate and delimitation of his constituency have made five-time MLA and two-time Chief Minister Zoramthanga sweat out in his home Champai constituency.

In fact the former rebel-turned Chief Minister is contesting from two seats. Nestled among the blue mountains, the two picturesque constituencies of Champhai will witness a fight between Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga, who is seeking a third term, Zosiama Poachuau of Mizoram Peoples Conference (MPC) and Lalhmingthangi Hmar, a woman Presbyterian church leader.

In a state, where women participation in the democratic process is very less comparing the women's social strength, Mr Zoramthanga has double problem as his opponent is not only from fairer sex but she has a Church background.

In Mizoram nothing moves without the consent of Churches, least electioneering."But people know me and I know they are going to help me once again" said the veteran leader making sure that he touches all the 40 constituencies before next week.

After delimitation of constituencies, Champhai has been divided into Champhai North and Champhai South. Zoramthanga, a former guerrilla leader-turned-chief minister and a MNF stalwart is seeking a mandate from both these constituencies.

Mr Zoramthanga, who won from Champhai for five times in succession since 1997, will be banking on his record and the massive development work taken up by his government.

In Champhai North, Mr Zoramthanga will face former minister and MPC nominee Poachuau after a portion of his Ngopa constituency from where he had won earlier was included in North seat after delimitation.

In Champhai South, Hmar, of the local Zoram Nationalist Party (United Democratic Alliance), a first timer who resigned as secretary of the Presbyterian Woman Fellowship has joined the fray to take on Mr Zoramthanga.

She has publicly said she was 'called by God to serve the people,' which will have an impact on the 14,837 electorate of which 7,548 are women. This is where the whole game is. If the women go in favour of Hmar, then the Chief Minister has a problem and hence he is contesting from two constituencies The two seats bordering Myanmar are famous for wine production using the local Bangalore Blue grape variety regarded as the best for brewing.

UNI MT SJC LPB GC1922