Ruling party secures lone Upper House seat from Mizoram; opposition BJP, Congress abstain; polling records 90% turnout in Assembly
By Nengcha Haokip
Songpi, June 20, 2026: Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) spokesperson K. Laltluangkima was elected as Mizoram’s lone Rajya Sabha member on Thursday, defeating Mizo National Front (MNF) candidate Zothansangi Hmar by 16 votes in polling held at the state Assembly.
Laltluangkima secured 26 of the 36 votes cast. He will succeed outgoing MNF Rajya Sabha MP K. Vanlalvena, whose term ends on July 19, 2026. The win gives the ruling ZPM representation in the Upper House of Parliament for the first time since it came to power.
Polling for the biennial election was held from 9 am to 4 pm on June 18 in the Committee Room of the Mizoram Legislative Assembly in Aizawl. It was conducted under the Election Commission of India’s notification dated June 1, 2026, and supervised by an EC-appointed observer, Returning Officer Zothansanga Ralte, and the Assistant Returning Officer.
Voter turnout stood at 90%, with the election proceeding peacefully, according to an official statement. Two BJP MLAs and one Congress legislator abstained from voting. ZPM MLA W. Chhuanawma could not cast his vote due to prolonged illness.
Counting began at 5 pm the same day in the Conference Hall of the Mizoram Legislative Assembly Secretariat. After completion, Returning Officer Zothansanga Ralte declared Khiangte Laltluangkima, sponsored by the Zoram People’s Movement, elected to the Council of States from Mizoram.
Laltluangkima currently serves as the official spokesperson of the ruling ZPM.
