Zoramthanga's ministry likely to be reshuffled

Aizawl, Jun 6 (UNI) A reshuffle in Zoramthanga's ministry in Mizoram is likely to take place in the near future, official sources said here today said.

There might be some changes in the ministry, while the Hnam Run (Mizo National Front headquarters) was also likely to have slight changes, according to sources.

Mara Democratic Front leader and Tuipang MLA P P Thawlla was likely to get a ministerial berth, though his party was in alliance with the Congress in Mara Autonomous District Council (MADC), where the MNF is the Opposition.

There were also rumours that he might be even dropped from the deputy chief whip post, the sources said.

Mr Thawlla was seen in the Hnam Run on June 1 and was said to be one of the probable new ministers, the sources added.

''In order to crack the Congress-MDF coalition, the MADC might be interested in making him a minister,'' a political observer said.

Sources also said Khawpuithanga the Chief Minister's Advisor was also among the Hnam Run probables.

However, Mr Thawlla has denied any knowledge of him being moved as a new minister. ''I do not have any knowledge. I was simply going to the party office to attend a function. As far as I know, there has been no such move. I have no idea how the party (MNF) leaders think of me,'' he claimed.

Asked if he would be interested if offered a minister's post, Mr Thawlla said it would be decided by his party's political affairs committee (PAC).

However, he remarked that a ministry reshuffle was required since the ministry was in its second half of the term.

Last week, when Chief Minister Zoramthanga was in Delhi, some newspapers reported that his ministry was likely to be reshuffled once he returned to Aizawl.

The chief minister returned on June 2 and the MNF elected OB meeting was held on June 4 where the party's general secretaries were invited. Though the outcome of the meeting was not divulged, it was likely that the reshuffle issue was discussed.

''There has to be some promotions and slight changes in the Hnam Run secretariat as terms of sub-headquarters and district leaders have also expired, they were likely to discuss about party matters,'' an MNF leader said.

UNI