A significant political shift occurred during a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rally in Silsury, where 56 voters from opposing parties defected to join the BJP amid campaigning for Mizoram’s Dampa assembly by-election. Notable among the defectors were Lolita Bala Chakma, the unit vice-president of the Zoram People’s Movement, and Karuna Chakma, a candidate from the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), along with their supporters from Silsury East and West villages. The gathering at Silsury Playground in Mamit district witnessed members from both the ZPM and the Indian National Congress switching their allegiance.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State overseeing multiple portfolios including the Prime Minister’s Office and the Department of Space, led the rally supporting BJP candidate Lalhmingthanga Sailo. He arrived at 12:10 pm to address an enthusiastic crowd. During his speech, Singh called on Chakma voters to back the BJP candidate in the upcoming November 11 by-election. He promised the benefits of a “double engine government” connecting Dampa to Delhi, asserting that a BJP victory would yield improved infrastructure, enhanced border connectivity, and development programs for border communities in Mizoram.
The rally commenced at 11 am and was presided over by Durjya Dhan Chakma, former chief executive member of the Chakma Autonomous District Council and current BJP district president. Other speakers included Santana Chakma, a cabinet minister from Tripura’s government; Dr. K Beichhua, BJP Mizoram president and member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA); and Tripura BJP MLA Sambhu Lal Chakma.
Ahead of the event, a delegation of Chakma leaders from both Mizoram and Tripura met with Dr. Singh to seek central government assistance in constructing a two-lane national highway from Kawnpui on the Tripura border to Zochawchhuah. This proposed road aims to enhance access to the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, which links the Chakma Autonomous District Council with Myanmar.
Cultural performances highlighted the program, featuring artist Mongali Chakma from Tripura and local troupes from Silsury and Kamalanagar.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/mizoram/story/56-opposition-voters-switch-to-bjp-as-union-minister-campaigns-in-mizoram-by-election-1297371-2025-10-30?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-10-30 22:04:00
