1. K. Vanlalvena, Mizoram’s sole Rajya Sabha member and MNF leader, triggers controversy.
2. Urges opposition against the BJP-led NDA regime despite the party’s alliance.
3. Nominated as MNF’s candidate for Mizoram’s lone Lok Sabha seat, adding to the controversy.
Aizawl, March 23: K. Vanlalvena, the lone Rajya Sabha member from Mizoram and a leader of the Mizo National Front (MNF), stirred controversy by asserting the need to challenge and oppose the BJP-led NDA regime.
This statement came as he was named the party’s nominee for the lone Lok Sabha seat in the state.
Vanlalvena, 54, secured his position as Mizoram’s Rajya Sabha representative in June 2020.
Despite MNF’s affiliation with the BJP-led North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) and its alliance with the NDA at the national level, the party refrains from collaborating with the BJP within the state.
Known for his advocacy on minority issues, Vanlalvena reiterated his ongoing opposition to NDA ideologies during his tenure in the Rajya Sabha.
Following his nomination as the MNF candidate for the upcoming LS elections, Vanlalvena addressed a gathering, predicting the NDA’s victory in the parliamentary polls.
He cautioned against the potential implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) under the NDA’s continued governance.
Expressing his dissent, Vanlalvena stated, “I have been constantly opposing the NDA government in the present Rajya Sabha.”
Also Read: Maldives President’s Call for Debt Relief Highlights Indo-Maldivian Relations
Despite the limited influence of Mizoram’s MP in national governance, Vanlalvena stressed the significance of challenging the NDA government’s policies.
Born in January 1970 in East Lungdar village, Serchhip district, Vanlalvena initially pursued a career as a high school teacher at a state-run school. He earned his degree in Science from Pachhunga University College in 1993.
Actively engaged in student politics during his college years, Vanlalvena held leadership roles within the state’s apex student body Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), serving as its vice president and later as president.
Transitioning into mainstream politics in 2002, Vanlalvena assumed the position of general secretary of MNF’s youth wing, eventually ascending to its presidency.
Vanlalvena’s electoral journey saw both victories and defeats, including unsuccessful attempts in assembly by-polls and assembly elections.
In the upcoming LS elections, various candidates have been named, including Richard Vanlalhmangaiha from ZPM, Rita Malsawmi from the People’s Conference (PC), and Lalbiakzama from the Congress.
Former Congress leader Lalhriatrenga Chhangte announced his independent candidacy, while the BJP is yet to unveil its nominee.
