Backed by Cong-ZPM, sports journalist files nomination in

Sports journalist and Mizoram Football Association honorary secretary Lalnghinglova Hmar filed his nomination for the lone Mizoram Lok Sabha seat as the candidate of the Congress-ZPM combine on Saturday.

The opposition Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) and the Congress have forged an alliance to contest the Lok Sabha election and an Assembly by-poll in the state.

Returning officer Vanlalngaihsaka told PTI that two Independent candidates - Lalnghinglova Hmar and Lalthlamuani - filed submitted their papers Saturday.

Hmar, who was not into active politics, did not want to contest the election as a political party candidate and that is why he is contesting as an Independent, sources said.

The Congress needed a fresh face for the Lok Sabha seat as its sitting MP, 84-year-old C L Ruala, had said he would not contest because of old age.

Lalthlamuani, the other Independent candidate to submit papers Saturday, is a woman.

With these two, altogether four candidates filed their nominations for the Lok Sabha seat in the state till now.

Earlier, the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) nominee C Lalrosanga and another independent candidate Lalhriatrenga Chhangte had filed nominations.

BJP candidate Nirupam Chakma and the People's Right to Identity and Status of Mizoram (PRISM) nominee TBC Lalvenchhunga were yet to submit their papers. The last date of doing so is Monday.

The state would go to Lok Sabha polls on April 11.

The by-poll to the Aizawl West-I assembly seat would also be held on that day.

The by-poll was necessitated after the ZPM's candidate Lalduhoma, who had won from two constituencies in the assembly election last year, vacated the seat.