Mizoram MLAs resign to beat anti-defection law, raising questions about its effectiveness
On October 11, 2023, five Independent MLAs in Mizoram resigned from their seats in order to contest the upcoming assembly elections as candidates of the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), a newly recognized political party. The five MLAs – VL Zaithanzama, Dr Vanlalthlana, Lalchhuanthanga, C Lalsawivunga, and Vanlalhlana – were all originally elected as independents in the 2018 state elections. However, they subsequently joined the ZPM, which was not registered with the Election Commission of India at the time.
The anti-defection law in India prohibits elected legislators from switching parties without facing disqualification from their seats. However, there is a loophole in the law that allows MLAs to resign from their seats and then contest by-elections as candidates of a different party. This is precisely what the five Mizoram MLAs have done.
The resignations of the five MLAs have come as a blow to the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF). The MNF lost its majority in the assembly after the five MLAs joined the ZPM. As a result, the MNF will now have to rely on the support of its allies in order to retain power in the upcoming elections.
The ZPM, on the other hand, has been boosted by the resignations of the five MLAs. The ZPM is now the third largest party in the Mizoram assembly, with six seats. The party is hopeful that it will be able to win a significant number of seats in the upcoming elections and form the next government in Mizoram.
The resignations of the five Mizoram MLAs have also raised questions about the effectiveness of the anti-defection law in India. The law is supposed to prevent elected legislators from switching parties for personal gain. However, the loophole that allows MLAs to resign and then contest by-elections as candidates of a different party has rendered the law ineffective in many cases.
Why did the five Mizoram MLAs resign?
There are a number of reasons why the five Mizoram MLAs may have resigned from their seats. One possibility is that they were unhappy with the leadership of the MNF. The MNF has been in power in Mizoram for most of the past four decades. However, the party has been facing increasing criticism in recent years for its handling of the economy and other issues.
Another possibility is that the five MLAs were attracted to the policies of the ZPM. The ZPM is a new party that was formed in 2022. The party has promised to bring about change in Mizoram and to address the concerns of the people.
It is also possible that the five MLAs resigned in order to increase their chances of winning re-election. The MNF is facing a tough challenge from the opposition Congress party in the upcoming elections. The ZPM is also expected to do well in the polls. By resigning from their seats and contesting as candidates of the ZPM, the five MLAs may have hoped to increase their chances of winning.
What are the implications of the resignations?
The resignations of the five Mizoram MLAs have a number of implications for the upcoming assembly elections. First, the MNF has lost its majority in the assembly. This means that the MNF will now have to rely on the support of its allies in order to retain power.
Second, the ZPM has been boosted by the resignations of the five MLAs. The ZPM is now the third largest party in the Mizoram assembly, with six seats. The party is hopeful that it will be able to win a significant number of seats in the upcoming elections and form the next government in Mizoram.
Third, the resignations of the five MLAs have raised questions about the effectiveness of the anti-defection law in India. The law is supposed to prevent elected legislators from switching parties for personal gain. However, the loophole that allows MLAs to resign and then contest by-elections as candidates of a different party has rendered the law ineffective in many cases.
Source: Mizoram MLAs
Conclusion
The resignations of the five Mizoram MLAs are a significant development in the lead-up to the upcoming assembly elections. The MNF has lost its majority in the assembly, while the ZPM has been boosted. The resignations have also raised questions about the effectiveness of the anti-defection law in India. It remains to be seen how the resignations will impact the outcome of the upcoming elections.
Additional thoughts
The resignations of the five Mizoram MLAs are a reminder of the fact that the anti-defection law in India is in need of reform. The loophole that allows MLAs to resign and then contest by-elections as candidates of a different party should be closed. This would help to strengthen the law and prevent elected legislators from switching
