Aizawl: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Mizoram Pradesh on Thursday interacted with mediapersons at the Aizawl Press Club defending the imposition of Governor’s Rule in the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC). The party cited constitutional mandate, repeated political instability, and ongoing administrative failures as reasons for the decision.
The press briefing comes amid rising political tension between the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM)-led Mizoram government and the Raj Bhavan following the Governor’s decision on July 7 to suspend the functioning of the CADC for six months. The action was taken under Paragraph 20BB of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, and the Deputy Commissioner of Lawngtlai has been appointed as the caretaker administrator.
Speaking to reporters, BJP leaders said the decision was both legal and necessary. They pointed to a long history of instability within the CADC. Five Chief Executive Members (CEMs) were removed during each of the last two five-year terms. Since 2023, two more CEMs have already been ousted. Staff salaries have remained unpaid for up to five months, worsening the administrative situation.
BJP National Secretary for Minority Affairs Delson Notlia criticised the ZPM-led government’s reaction to Governor’s Rule. He said that when the BJP formed the executive committee in December 2024, the ZPM government, including Home Minister K. Sapdanga, had opposed it. They cited political instability and demanded the dissolution of the CADC. “The Chief Minister and the District Council and Minority Affairs Minister even forwarded a file recommending dissolution to the Governor,” he said. “But now that they have the numbers to form a new executive, they are opposing the Governor’s move.”
The BJP leaders reiterated that the Governor acted after receiving formal representations from three major Chakma civil society organisations. These include the Central Young Chakma Association (CYCA), the Central Mizoram Chakma Students’ Union (CMCSU), and the Central Chakma Mahila Samiti (CMS). These groups demanded the council’s suspension and called for an independent inquiry into alleged corruption and financial mismanagement.
They emphasised that the Governor’s action was not politically motivated. Rather, it was a response to sustained instability, public appeals, and constitutional responsibility. “It is ironic that the same state government which once called for dissolution now labels the Governor’s action as undemocratic,” one BJP leader said.
The ZPM, however, continues to criticise the decision. Home Minister K. Sapdanga stated that 16 of the 20 elected council members had joined the ZPM and staked claim to form a new executive on June 16. The group met the Governor on June 18. On July 5, the Council of Ministers formally recommended that the Governor allow the formation of a new executive without dissolving the council.
BJP Mizoram said that Governor’s Rule is a constitutional safeguard and not a political tool. The party reiterated its demand for the institution of a One-Man Inquiry Commission to investigate allegations of corruption. “Those found guilty should be brought to justice according to the law,” a party spokesperson said.
The BJP concluded the press conference by reaffirming support for the Governor’s action and rejecting claims of overreach. “This is about restoring governance, not about grabbing power. The people of CADC deserve stability and accountability,” they said.
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