As neighbouring Manipur nears a year under President’s Rule, the Mizoram government is against extending Governor’s Rule in a tribal council for another six months.
On Wednesday (January 7, 2026), the Mizoram Cabinet said there was no justification in extending Governor’s Rule in the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC). It cited three assessments, including one by the State’s Chief Secretary, to assert that the council was not facing any political instability to merit extension.
The council of ministers responded to a reference from Governor Vijay Kumar Singh on whether Governor’s Rule, imposed on July 7, 2025, should be extended for another six months. It negated extension by pointing out that a single political party enjoys a clear majority in the CADC.
The ministers also said that Governor’s Rule was imposed despite their earlier recommendation that the single-largest party be allowed to form the next executive committee in the CADC.
Governor’s Rule was imposed following prolonged instability in the tribal council, triggered by the removal of Bharatiya Janata Party leader Molin Kumar Chakma from the post of Chief Executive Member through a no-confidence motion on June 16.
Mr Chakma had assumed charge on February 4, heading the first BJP-led executive in the CADC since its formation in 1972, but the government collapsed within four months after mass defections.
In June, 12 BJP members resigned and joined the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), which rules the State. A month later, 16 ZPM members staked claim to form the next executive committee.
Earlier, the ZPM had written to the Governor, seeking a floor test to enable the party to prove its majority in the council.
The CADC is not the only troubled tribal council in Mizoram. The Lai Autonomous District Council (LADC) spiralled into turmoil after the Mizo National Front (MNF) snapped ties with the ZPM on Tuesday (January 6, 2026).
In a letter to the Governor, the MNF cited unresolved political issues for its decision to withdraw support from the Lairam Legislature Party, a post-poll alliance it had formed with the ZPM on December 14, 2025.
The elections to the 25-member LADC, held on December 3, had thrown up a hung House. A party or coalition needs 13 members to form the executive committee in this council.
The MNF bagged eight seats to emerge as the single-largest party, followed by Congress with seven, ZPM with six, and the BJP with two seats. Independent candidates won the remaining two seats.
Curated by Aisha Patel
