Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on February 16 said he would resign if any evidence proves his involvement in alleged financial irregularities linked to the Lengpui land deal, challenging the opposition to substantiate its claims. Responding to accusations that he received kickbacks, the chief minister said he would step down if investigators verify his participation.
“If my involvement in this matter is verified with evidence, I will no longer consider myself fit to lead this state and will resign immediately,” Lalduhoma said on February 16.
The statement followed allegations made days earlier by Congress leader and former minister John Rotluangliana at a political session at Congress Bhavan on February 13. Rotluangliana claimed the chief minister’s intended share in the deal was Rs 14 crore, of which Rs 10 crore was allegedly received, and alleged that Lalduhoma had asked for payment in gold.
In an interview with a local television channel, Lalduhoma strongly denied accepting any “commissions,” saying the charges had damaged his personal reputation and tarnished the image of the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM).
Countering the opposition’s narrative, Lalduhoma accused the previous Mizo National Front (MNF) government led by former chief minister Zoramthanga of trying to sell land near Lengpui airport to the Indian Air Force through a permanent “direct purchase” agreement. He maintained his government has acted only as a facilitator between the landowner and the buyer and that it is following standard leasing protocols rather than permanently selling the land.
“The matter will be investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), after which everything will be made clear,” he added.
The land, located near Lengpui airport about 32 km from Aizawl, was acquired by the Indian Air Force to establish a base for housing fighter aircraft and refuelling facilities. The acquisition has prompted political controversy, with both the MNF and the Congress filing separate complaints seeking a CBI probe. A CBI official in Aizawl confirmed the case has been referred to the agency’s branch office in Imphal, Manipur.
Opposition parties allege financial irregularities totaling Rs 187.90 crore, claiming legal procedures were bypassed to fast-track the acquisition and that two individuals who were not the original landowners received the bulk of compensation while actual owners were paid little or nothing. Lalduhoma has publicly tied his political future to the outcome of the impending CBI investigation.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/mizoram/story/mizoram-cm-lalduhoma-says-he-will-resign-if-linked-to-lengpui-land-deal-irregularities-1347247-2026-02-16?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-02-16 23:46:00
