Aizawl, Dec. 19: The Mizoram People?s Conference (MPC) today said the formation of the new political party did not constitute a split. ?The people who have formed this new party are all non-residents of Aizawl and are not party functionaries at the general headquarters. Without a difference of opinion in the ideology of the party and without any party headquarters functionary among the dissidents, this cannot be termed as a split of the MPC party legally or formally,? MPC president Lalhmingthanga told newspersons here today.
Yesterday, a group of politicians, who do not reside in Aizawl, submitted a letter to the Mizoram Speaker asking for a separate legislature party for the new party they had floated called the Mizoram People?s Conference (Progressive) among whose member is the MPC legislator from Hnahthial, F. Lalthanzuala.
?Though I do not know what action the Speaker will take on this issue, I believe the new anti-defection law passed by Parliament which is to come into immediate effect would bar the MLA from breaking away from the party. Irrespective of whether the new laws can be applied in our present situation or not, since there is no split in the party, the Speaker would in all probability disallow a separate legislature party for the new party,? Lalhmingthanga said.
He cited the example of the recent Meghalaya NCP split which was not accepted by the authorities because the party had not split in New Delhi at its headquarters.
Talking of the November 20 polls, Lalhmingthanga alleged that the elections were not free and fair and that his party would demand mid-term polls. He further alleged that the ruling party had misused the government machinery during the election campaign and used militants to garner votes in three constituencies in eastern Mizoram.
MPC legislator: A former legistor of the MPC joined the ruling Mizo National Front today.
H. Laltanpuia, a former legislator, who failed to get re-elected from Suangpuilawn constituency, was inducted in the ministry by chief minister Zoramthanga, who is also the MNF president.
Speaking at the function, the chief minister said they had invited Laltanpuia to join the government. While the MNF chief is consolidating his position, the Oppostion is waiting with bated breath for the government to implement the new laws passed by Parliament.