Will Mizoram get a hung assembly for the first time?

GUWAHATI: Mizoram has never witnessed a hung assembly, but exit polls for the November 28 state assembly election say it could have one this time. Most have predicted a hung assembly with Mizo National Front (MNF) edging out Congress, which has been in power since 2008, to emerge as the biggest winner.

In such a scenario, Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), formed last year after seven small parties came together, and Bharatiya Janata Party, which has never won in the state, will prove crucial in forming the government in the 40-member strong assembly.

The parties however, have expressed hope of a better outcome than exit polls’ predictions.

Counting of votes for Mizoram and four other states will take place on Tuesday.

“My belief is that we will get not less than 25 seats and are confident of forming the next government on our own,” said former chief minister and MNF president Zoramthanga.

Exit polls say BJP could get 2-3 seats with support of minority Chakma and Bru voters, and ZPM may secure 5-7 seats.

“We don’t know about the accuracy of the exit polls. We hope to secure a simple majority of 21 seats,” said Mizoram Congress spokesperson Lallianchhunga.

“We expect more than what exit polls say. As for an alliance for government formation, our advisory body will take a call after the results are announced,” said senior ZPM leader K Sapdanga.