Eight-party UDF headed for a split in Mizoram

Aizawl: With Zoram Nationalist Party (ZNP), BJP and Hmar People's Convention (HPC) opting for a separate alliance, the 8-party opposition alliance - United Democratic Front (UDF) - is headed for a split.
Though ZNP chief, and former Lok Sabha member, Lalduhawma maintained that there was a chance for reconciliation, the ZNP-BJP-HPC alliance's decision to contest as National Democratic Alliance (NDA) was the last nail in UDF's coffin.Differences among UDF constituents cropped up after ZNP said the common candidate for Mizoram's lone Lok Sabha seat should be a ZNP nominee who would use a free symbol.
Mizo National Front (MNF), the largest opposition party, and other allies wanted the UDF candidate to be someone from outside a political party and acceptable to a cross section of people, irrespective of party affiliations.
It was also agreed that the UDF candidate, if elected, would support the NDA in Parliament.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by ZNP, BJP and HPC on Tuesday said the three-party alliance would be under the NDA and would contest the Lok Sabha polls, as well as the byelection to the Hrangturzo assembly seat, to be held simultaneously on April 9. TNN
The MoU was inked by Lalduhawma, BJP state unit president H Lalhluna and HPC leader J Laldinliana. The MNF national executive meeting held on Wednesday endorsed the efforts made by the representatives of the party to work out opposition party alliance under the umbrella of UDF and also endorsed the decision to join the NDA if the common candidate of the alliance was elected.
Former Lok Sabha member and MNF legislature party leader in the state assembly, Vanlalzawma, said efforts would be made to win the coming Lok Sabha elections by UDF.
He said the candidate of the alliance would soon be chosen.