In Mizoram, there is a trend of a candidate contesting from two assembly constituencies, started by the celebrated Mizo National Front (MNF) leader Laldenga in the 1987 elections.
This trend have been gaining popularity over the years with most of the candidates ever since it started and is followed by the candidate to popularize his/her image more in the state.
This year too is no different as some of the top political leaders of Mizoram are contesting from two constituencies in the state for the upcoming Assembly polls.
Lal Thanhawla, the longest serving Chief Minister of the state, is contesting from Champhai South and Serchhip.
Lalduhoma, the founder president of the local party Zoram Nationalist Party (ZNP) is contesting from Aizwal West I and Serchhip.
National People’s Party (NPP) candidate Lianzuala is contesting from Dampa and Mamit.
Also, Lalawmpuia Chhangte, a National Congress Party (NCP) candidate is contesting from Dampa and Mamit.
Vanlalruata, a PRISM party candidate is contesting from Aizawl North 1 and Serchhip.
However, some candidates from Zoram Thar are contesting as independent candidates from two assembly constituencies as the party is not yet registered by the Election Commission of India, reports The Wire.
These candidates include Zaichhawna Hlawndo contesting from Serchip and Aizawl West I, Lalhrilzeli Hhawando contesting from Lengteng and Aizawl North II, Lalruafeli Hlawando contesting from Aizawl North I and Aizawl North II.
In 1987, Laldenga, right after signing the Mizo Accord with the Rajiv Gandhi government contested from Aizawl North and Sateek and won from both the constituencies.
After Laldenga’s huge victory, the trend has been followed by many candidates.
It is worth mentioning that Lal Thanhawla also contested from two assembly constituencies in most of the polls in the past and has mostly been able to achieve victory from both the constituencies.