Mizoram poll: Exit of 2 MLAs will not affect prospects, says Cong

The ruling Congress in Mizoram said Wednesday the exit of two senior MLAs from the party would not affect its prospects in the November 28 Assembly election and it was confident of a third term in the state.

"With 32 MLAs, I am confident that we will win with comfortable majority to form the government for a third consecutive term. People of Mizoram have not lost faith in the leadership of Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla," AICC general secretary in-charge of the northeast Luizinho Faleiro said.

Two MLAs might have left, but hundreds of others are joining the party in Mizoram, the only Congress-ruled state in the northeastern region, Faleiro told a press conference.

Home Minister R Lalzirliana, also vice-president of the state Congress, resigned on September 14, three days after he was served a show-cause notice by the MPCC disciplinary committee accusing him of confusing party workers. He was expelled later.

Another MLA and former minister Lalrinliana Sailo resigned earlier this month.

Both the leaders were expected to be fielded by the opposition Mizo National Front.

Faleiro, a former chief minister of Goa, said the Congress would field as many young faces as possible in the election.

"At least 40 per cent of the young candidates would be below the age of 40."