BJP-ZPM Alliance Retains Power in Chakma Council as New Chief Wins Floor Test with 18 Votes

Nirupam Chakma, the newly appointed Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) in Mizoram, won a confidence motion on Thursday (July 9, 2026) with 18 votes in the 20-member council. The victory ensures that the coalition of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) continues to govern the autonomous body.

The floor test, conducted under the chairmanship of Deputy Chairman Sundor Muni Chakma, saw 18 members vote in favour of the motion. The lone member from the Mizo National Front (MNF), Rasik Mohan Chakma, was absent from the sitting. No member voted against the motion.

Mr. Chakma was sworn in as CEM on Wednesday (July 8, 2026) after being appointed by the Governor of Mizoram. He was elected leader of the Chakma Democratic Alliance Legislature Party, a coalition of the BJP and ZPM. The Governor had directed him to seek a vote of confidence within seven days of assuming office.

The CADC currently has 20 elected members: 10 from the BJP, nine from the ZPM, and one from the MNF. The ruling alliance thus holds a decisive majority. The council governs parts of Lawngtlai District in southern Mizoram.

Speaking after the floor test, Mr. Chakma thanked council members for reposing faith in his leadership. He also expressed gratitude to the Governor for facilitating the restoration of an elected government after nearly a year of Governor's Rule. The CADC had been placed under Governor's Rule from July 7, 2025 to July 7, 2026 due to prolonged political instability and frequent changes in leadership.

Mr. Chakma announced that the remaining members of the executive committee would be inducted soon to ensure the council functions effectively in accordance with the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. He outlined priorities for his government, including improving road connectivity, upgrading school infrastructure, expanding access to safe drinking water, and strengthening healthcare services across the council's jurisdiction. He also identified youth employment and skill development as key focus areas.

Stressing the need for close coordination with the Mizoram government and the Centre, Mr. Chakma expressed confidence that the council would contribute to the national vision of 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India).