Mizoram Congress expels state unit’s vicepresident

: Three days after he quit the Lal Thanhawla cabinet, Mizoram Congress vice president R Lalzirliana was expelled from the primary membership of the party on Monday.

Lalzirliana, who was the home minister in the ruling Congress government, had resigned from the post on Friday after he was served a show-cause notice over statements on joining a rival party. However, he had not resigned from the party.

In a letter issued on Monday, C Lalpianthanga, chairman of Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee’s disciplinary action committee, expelled Lalzirliana as per the party’s constitution.

“He had been a pillar of strength for the party. But for the larger interest of the party, we had to take this decision,” Lalpianthangatoldjournalists inAizawl on Monday.

Mizoram goes to polls later this year and the decision by Lalzirliana to quit from the cabinet and the party expelling him might affect Congress’ chances.

The former minister was served a show cause notice last Tuesday after he made statements that he had been approached by the Mizo National Front (MNF) to join the party before the assembly polls.

The notice had asked Lalzirliana to reply by Friday. But he instead tendered his resignation.

UTPAL PARASHAR

GUWAHATI