Mizoram Assembly Elections: MNF and Congress to fight it out at key battleground Hachhek

Hachhek, a crucial constituency in west Mizoram’s Mamit district near Tripura’s border, will witness a tough electoral battle as sitting legislator Lalrindika Ralte from the Congress is contesting against the state’s sports minister, Robert Romawia Royte, who shifted his constituency from Aizawl East-II.

Catch Live updates on Mizoram and Chhattisgarh blogs here. 

Royte was directed by Mizo National Front (MNF) party leadership to contest from Hachhek as he is considered the strongest contender to unseat the incumbent Congress MLA.

Meanwhile, Ralte enjoys significant influence in the constituency as the seat traditionally has been a Congress stronghold, with the party dominating the constituency in the past three Assembly elections in 2008, 2013, and 2018.

During the 2018 polls, Ralte garnered 33.32 percent of the votes, winning over his nearest competitor, Lalrinenga Sailo of the MNF, by a narrow margin of 366 votes.

Royte is well-regarded as one of the most accomplished ministers in the present Zoramthanga administration. The primary opposition party, Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), has nominated K J Lalbiakngheta, a first-time candidate.

Despite being a newcomer, Lalbiakngheta is anticipated to offer vigorous competition to his rivals, notably because he originates from Zawlnuam, the largest village within the Hachhek constituency.

In 2013, Lalrinmawia Ralte of the Indian National Congress emerged as the victorious candidate in the Hachhek constituency during the Mizoram assembly elections. He had secured 7,852 votes, while 5,519 votes were cast in favour of Saikapthianga from the Mizo National Front. The winning margin was 2,333 votes.