Aizawl

Political activity is gathering pace in Mizoram ahead of the Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC) elections, with parties stepping up preparations, finalising candidates and outlining agendas for the civic body.

Polling for the 19-member AMC is scheduled for April 21, with counting to be held the same day.

The ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) expressed confidence of victory, with party general secretary Eddie Zosangliana Colney saying the candidate list will be announced on March 23.

He said candidates have been selected after a rigorous process at the local council level.

“Our candidates have been chosen with great care from every ward,” Colney said, adding that the party aims to transform the capital into a “New Aizawl” with improved urban governance.

Meanwhile, the opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) is seeking to retain control of the civic body.

MNF vice president and Dampa MLA R Lalthangliana said party candidates have been active on the ground since last year.

“As the party that founded the AMC, our goal is to retain power to ensure the corporation fulfils its original vision,” he said.

He added that the party’s organisational network, from headquarters to grassroots units, has been fully mobilised for the polls.

The Congress, which is contesting all 19 seats, is projecting itself as a party of community leaders and promising a “people-centric” administration.

State Congress vice president R L Vala said the party aims to give the AMC a “new face”.

The BJP said it would leverage its links with the Centre to boost urban development in Aizawl.

General secretary of the state unit Notlia said the party’s search committee has met multiple times to finalise candidates, with several names already sent to New Delhi for approval.

READ MORE: Kolkata's Dr Honey Qureshi is an angel for childless couples

He said a BJP-led AMC would provide a “double-engine” advantage and help secure resources to address infrastructure challenges in the city.

The MNF has already released its full list of candidates, while the Congress has announced nominees for 13 of the 19 wards.