MNF crushes Congress, set to win Mizoram

Aizawl, Dec 11: The Mizo National Front (MNF) is all set to capture power in Mizoram after a decade, having established leads in 21 of the 40 assembly constituencies, while the ruling Congress is ahead only in places, poll officials said here on Tuesday.

Mizoram is the last bastion of the Congress in the northeast that comprises eight states, including Sikkim.

The ruling Congress is leading in only five constituencies and trailing in almost all the other constituencies, which it had won in the 2013 polls.

Counting is underway on all seats.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is heading ahead in one constituency.

Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla, who contested from two constituencies -- his home turf Serchhip and Champhai South - is trailing in Champhai South seat where MNF candidate T.J. Lalnuntluanga is leading by 100 votes after the fifth round of counting.

MNF candidates are leading in 21 constituencies, including Tuichang, East Tuipui, Kolasib, Champhai South seats.

Buddha Dhan Chakma, a former minister of the Congress government who just before the November 28 polls joined the BJP, is leading in Chakma tribals dominated Tuichawng constituency over his MNF rival.

Six candidates belonging to various local parties are leading in as many constituencies.