The Mizo National Front (MNF) President Zoramthanga on Wednesday announced MNF Senior Vice President and former Minister, Dr. R. Lalthangliana, as the official MNF candidate for the Dampa Constituency by-election.

Speaking at the event, President Zoramthanga said that holding a by-election while in the opposition is very challenging. He added that  the unfortunate passing of MNF MLA Lalrintluanga Sailo, which necessitated the by-election, has been deeply saddening.

He explained that since Sailo had been working for the development of Dampa Constituency, it was necessary to field their Senior Vice President Dr. Lalthangliana to carry forward his unfinished works and continue serving the people. 

The former Chief Minister also expressed confidence that the people of Dampa Constituency, who have always shown strong support, would continue to stand by the party both before and after the election results.

MNF’s official candidate Dr. R. Lalthangliana said that this by-election was very significant. Since 1987, he has been elected MLA ten times, but this time the circumstances are quite different, requiring him to connect closely with the people. He acknowledged that the situation is sensitive and requires careful handling. 

Addressing MNF workers and supporters, he urged them to fulfill the dreams of the late MLA Sailo, especially in continuing the initiatives for border trade with Bangladesh, and appealed to the people of Dampa for their wholehearted support and votes.

The late Lalrintluanga Sailo’s wife,  Lalbiakthuami, also spoke at the event, saying: “My husband and Dr. Lalthangliana were like brothers. Dr. Lalthangliana was deeply loved by him, and he too loved my husband very much. My husband always cherished Dampa Constituency as his own and worked tirelessly for it. We, the family, strongly support the party'scandidate, and we will give him our full backing to ensure his victory.”

It is worth noting that Dr. R. Lalthangliana was a Professor in Mizoram University, before entering into politics and was an MLA for several years. 

He  served as the Minister of Education, Health and Family Welfare Department and, Higher and Technical Education in the previous government.