Cong may form post-poll alliance with like-minded parties in Mizoram: Lal Thanhawla

With just three days left for the Mizoram Assembly elections, Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla Sunday said the Congress is open to form a post-poll alliance with like-minded parties, excluding the BJP and MNF, if the ruling party falls short of majority.

He, however, claimed that such a situation will not arise as the Congress will get full majority on its own.

In Mizoram, support of 21 MLAs is needed to form a government in the 40-member Assembly, which is going to polls on November 28 and the counting will take place on December 11.

"If like-minded parties come to me and want to support my leadership, then they may (be) welcomed," Thanhawla told PTI during an interview when asked if the Congress is willing to form a post-poll alliance if it does not get a simple majority.

Asked with whom the Congress is comfortable to form an alliance, he said, "I don't know at this moment. But certainly not the BJP, certainly not the MNF. Let the time come."
When pointed out that senior ministers and political leaders have left the party in the last two months, he said, "I don't see any worker leaving my party at this stage. But unwanted and corrupt people have left. Congress workers are very grateful and they are much inspired because these corrupt people have left the party."
Asked about anti-incumbency factor as alleged by the opposition MNF, Thanhawla said, "Not all. Only MNF is feeling anti-incumbency factor. They don't have anything to point fingers at me -- no scandal, no misuse (of funds). How can they say anti-incumbency wind is blowing in Mizoram? It's only their wishful thinking."
On MNF President Zoramthanga's comment that all roads of Mizoram are in "ICU", the chief minister said: "He is a good speaker. His mouth speaks a lot. He has a big mouth. I have seen my roads. I have travelled my roads. So, who is telling lie and who is telling the truth, you can easily differentiate and know. Lies do not have legs. They fall on the waste side."