Mizoram: Kali Kumar Tongchangya elected as Chakma council chairman

Aizawl, Jul 16 (PTI) Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) leader Kali Kumar Tongchangya was on Thursday elected unopposed as the chairman of the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) in Mizoram, officials said. Tongchangya, Member of District Council (MDC) representing the Fultuli constituency, was declared elected by Deputy Chairman Sundor Muni Chakma, who presided over the special sitting convened to elect the new chairman. The election was necessitated following the resignation of former chairman Lakkhan Chakma. As per the election schedule, nominations were filed on July 15, and Tongchangya was the only candidate to submit his nomination papers, the officials said. With no other contestant in the fray, he was declared elected unopposed, they said. Assuming office, Tongchangya expressed gratitude to the members of the district council for placing their trust in him. He pledged to discharge his duties with fairness, impartiality and strict adherence to the council's rules, while calling on members to work together to uphold the dignity of the House and ensure its smooth and orderly functioning. Leader of the House and Chief Executive Member Nirupam Chakma congratulated the newly elected chairman, describing him as an experienced legislator with a deep understanding of the council's procedures. He expressed confidence that Tongchangya's leadership would help maintain fairness, impartiality and discipline in the conduct of House proceedings, enabling members to participate freely and effectively in the council's legislative business. The CADC was previously placed under the Governor's Rule for one year from July 7, 2025 to July 7, 2026, following prolonged political instability caused by frequent leadership changes. The ZPM, which is currently in power in the state, and the BJP forged a political alliance on June 23 and constituted the Chakma Democratic Alliance Legislature Party headed by senior BJP leader Nirupam Chakma. The alliance subsequently staked a claim to form the executive body in the CADC. Nirupam Chakma was sworn in as the new CEM of the CADC on July 8, ending the one-year Governor's Rule in the 20-member council. In the present council, the BJP-ZPM combine has 19 members, and the Mizo National Front (MNF) holds one seat. PTI CORR ACD