Ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) candidate Khiangte Laltluangkima emerged victorious in the Rajya Sabha election in Mizoram, defeating Mizo National Front (MNF) nominee Zothansangi Hmar by a 16-vote margin. This win marks the ZPM’s first representation in the Rajya Sabha from Mizoram. Laltluangkima, ZPM’s spokesperson, secured 26 votes, while Zothansangi Hmar received all 10 votes from her party’s legislators.
The election’s Returning Officer, Zothansanga Ralte, who also serves as the Commissioner and Secretary of the Mizoram Legislative Assembly, declared the results following the vote count. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress chose not to participate in the voting process. The voting, initially scheduled until 4 p.m., took place at the Mizoram Assembly complex from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
During the election, 26 out of 27 ZPM MLAs, including Chief Minister Lalduhoma, and all 10 MNF legislators exercised their voting rights. However, ZPM legislator W. Chhuanawma from the Tuichang Assembly constituency could not vote due to health reasons. Chief Minister Lalduhoma dismissed claims of internal disputes within the ZPM, labeling them as opposition tactics to create confusion. He emphasized the unity among ZPM MLAs during the voting process, refuting any possibility of cross-voting.
In the 40-member Mizoram Assembly, ZPM holds 27 seats, MNF has 10, while BJP and Congress have 2 and 1 member, respectively. The Leader of the Opposition (LoP) and MNF legislator Lalchhandama Ralte alleged a rift within the ruling ZPM. Congress MLA C. Ngunlianchunga and BJP media convener Johny Lalthanpuia confirmed their parties’ legislators did not participate in the Rajya Sabha election voting. The election was necessitated by the upcoming expiration of outgoing Rajya Sabha member K. Vanlalvena’s term on July 19, 2026.
