Northeast Desk, 23rd March: Mizoram’s lone Rajya Sabha member and Mizo National Front (MNF) leader, K. Vanlalvena, stirred controversy by taking a bold stance against the BJP-led NDA regime, despite his party’s membership in the BJP-led North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) and its alliance with the NDA at the national level.
Vanlalvena, known for his advocacy on minority issues, expressed his opposition to NDA ideologies during his tenure in the Rajya Sabha. Despite MNF’s alliance with the NDA at the national level, the party refrains from collaborating with the BJP in the state.
Addressing a gathering after being nominated as the MNF candidate for the lone Lok Sabha seat in Mizoram, Vanlalvena predicted the NDA’s victory in the upcoming parliamentary polls. However, he cautioned against the potential introduction of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) under the NDA’s governance, emphasizing the need to oppose the ruling government.
Born in East Lungdar village in Serchhip district, Vanlalvena, a former high school teacher, has been actively involved in politics since his college days. Despite the limited role of Mizoram’s MP in national governance, he stressed the importance of challenging the NDA government’s policies.
Various parties have named their candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Mizoram, with Vanlalvena representing the MNF. Other candidates include Richard Vanlalhmangaiha from ZPM, Rita Malsawmi from the People’s Conference (PC), Lalbiakzama from the Congress, and Lalhriatrenga Chhangte as an independent candidate. The BJP is yet to announce its nominee.