History
Brief history of Mizoram Legislative Assembly.
Mizoram situated in the eastern corner of India, is sandwiched by Myanmar in the east and south and Bangladesh in the west. It has a total area of 21087 sq. kms. With the advent of the British rule, the traditional form of administration was gradually replaced by modern form of administration and ultimately led to the existence of a representative body called Legislative Assembly. Mizoram, earlier known as the Mizo Hills District, was excluded from the Government of India Reforms Act 1919 and the Act of 1935. As a result, the Mizo people remained under the personal rule of the British Superintendents and the hereditary Mizo Chiefs. Every Mizo village had its own chief who was assisted by Council of elders. However, members of the Council were appointed by the Chief at his pleasure. It was only after India ’s independence that the district had representation in the Legislative Assembly and was allotted 3 (three) seats in 1952.
The growth of modern parliamentary form of administration in Mizoram was started in 1952 when Mizoram gained the status of District Council when the Lushai Hill District (Chiefship Abolition) Act, 1952 was passed by the Assam Legislative Assembly with effect from January 1, 1953. Mizoram attained the status of Union Territory in 1972 and Assam was bifurcated. The first session of Mizoram Legislative Assembly was held on 10 May 1972 which marks the beginning of Mizoram Legislative Assembly. The first Assembly of Mizoram had 30 elected seats and 3 nominated seats. The erstwhile District Council House was inherited for the Assembly House, since then the House of Mizoram Legislative Assembly has been the voice of the people where grievances of the people are vented.
The first Assembly election was won by the Mizo Union under the leadership of Pu Ch. Chhunga and was later merged with the Indian National Congress. Pu H. Thansanga, the first Speaker of Mizoram Legislative Assembly vacated his office and Pu Vaivenga became the Speaker of Mizoram Legislative Assembly. Election to the second Assembly was held in 1978 in which People's Conference led by Brig.T. Sailo had won with absolute majority. However, the Ministry broke down after 5 months. The same party came into power in the next election and the incumbent Speaker Pu Thangridema was succeeded by Pu Kenneth Chawngliana. The fourth Assembly was constituted in 1984, the Indian National Congress under the leadership of Pu Lal Thanhawla won the election. Pu H.Thansanga again assumed the office of the Speaker. However, with the implementation of Peace Accord between Mizo National Front (MNF) and Government of India, Pu Lal Thanhawla vacated Chief Ministership to make place for Pu Laldenga, President of MNF who became the Chief Minister for a period of 6 months.
The status of Union Territory was upgraded to the statehood by an Act of Parliament which was passed in August, 1986. The statehood was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister Pu Rajiv Gandhi on 20 February 1987. The strength of the Assembly has also been increased to 40 elected seats. The first State Assembly elections was held in 1987.The Mizo National Front headed by Pu Laldenga won the election. Pu J. Thanghuama was the Speaker of the first State Assembly. This Assembly lasted only for one year. The second State Assembly was elected in 1989.The Indian National Congress won the election under the leadership of Pu Lal Thanhawla. Pu Hiphei became the Speaker of the Assembly. After more than a year, Pu Hiphei vacated the office of the Speaker to become Member of Parliament in the Upper House, Pu Rokamlova was elected Speaker. The third State Assembly was elected in 1993. Under the leadership of Pu Lal Thanhawla the Indian National Congress and Janata Dal formed a coalition government. Pu Vaivenga assumed the office of the Speaker again for the second time. The fourth State Assembly was elected in 1998.The Mizo National Front led by Pu Zoramthanga won the election but formed coalition government with Mizo People's Conference but the Mizo People's Conference severed their tie with the government within a short period of time. Pu R. Lalawia was the Speaker in this Assembly. The fifth Assembly was elected in 2003. The Mizo National Front led by Pu Zoramthanga won again by absolute majority. Pu Lalchamliana was the Speaker of the fifth Assembly.
The sixth State Assembly was elected in 2008.Under the leadership of Pu Lal Thanhawla the Indian National Congress won by absolute majority. Pu R.Romawia assumed the office of the Speaker. In 2013, the seventh Assembly was elected where the Indian National Congress(INC) led by Pu Lal Thanhawla won by absolute majority once again. Pu Hiphei became the Speaker for the second time. In 2018, the Eighth Assembly was elected which was won by Mizo National Front(MNF) led by Pu Zoramthanga with absolute majority. Pu Lalrinliana Sailo became assumed the office of the Speaker. It must be noted that twelve General elections for the Assembly were held so far and it is quite remarkable that these elections had passed off peacefully. No coercion and booth capturing has taken place in the history of Mizoram.