Aizawl: Mohan Chakma, a Member of the District Council (MDC) and leader of the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) legislature party in the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC), formally submitted a letter to Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati on December 16, seeking appointment as the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the CADC.
Chakma, who represents the 20-Parva MDC Constituency, stated in his letter that the Zoram People’s Movement now commands a majority in the 20-member council, holding 10 MDCs. Citing Rule 22(2) of the Chakma Autonomous District Council’s Constitution, Conduct, and Business Rules, 2002, Chakma emphasized that the ZPM is the single largest legislature party and requested his appointment as the CEM.
The ZPM’s newfound majority comes after five MDCs from the Mizo National Front (MNF) defected to the party last Wednesday, significantly altering the political landscape of the council.
This development follows the ousting of the former CEM, Rasik Mohan Chakma of the MNF, who lost a no-confidence vote during a council session on December 11. The MNF, which initially formed the 11th CADC after securing 10 seats in the May 9, 2023 election, now has only one MDC, leaving it with minimal representation in the council.
The current composition of the CADC is 10 MDCs from the Zoram People’s Movement, 9 from the BJP, and 1 from the MNF. With the ZPM now holding the majority, Mohan Chakma’s request for appointment as the CEM appears poised for approval, pending the Governor’s decision.
The leadership shift in the CADC marks a significant moment for the Zoram People’s Movement, strengthening its influence in the autonomous region and potentially reshaping its governance priorities.