Lal Thanhawla re-elected Mizoram PCC chief

AIZAWL, March 26 ? Former Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla was re-elected unopposed as president of the Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) on Wednesday, reports PTI. Returning officer for the MPCC organisational polls, H Raltawna, announced that Lal Thanhawla, was re-elected as there were no other contestants for the party?s top post. Former Agriculture Minister Saikapthianga and former Finance Minister and veteran Congressman John Lalsangzuala were also re-elected unopposed as vice-president and treasurer respectively. Elections to the MPCC executive members and Aizawl District Congress Committee would be held on Thursday and Friday respectively. Lal Thanhawla headed the party in the State for almost two decades and has been the Chief Minister for three times including two consecutive terms. Lal Thanhawla first became Mizoram Chief Minister when the Congress defeated the People?s Conference (PC) Government led by Brig T Sailo in 1984 Assembly polls. He resigned as Chief Minister in 1986 enabling the then underground MNF supremo, Laldenga to become Chief Minister in the interim Government after the MNF signed Mizo Accord in June 30, 1986. Lal Thanhawla came back to power in 1989 defeating Laldenga?s MNF and again in 1993 after his party forged an alliance with Brig T Sailo?s Mizoram Janata Dal (MJD).