ZPM backed five MLAs citing anti-defection law tender their resign

Aizawl: Five members of the Mizoram Legislative Assembly (MLAs), who were earlier elected as independent candidates but were supported by the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) party, have tendered their resignations.
The move has raised questions over party affiliations and the anti-defection law.
The five ZPM-backed MLAs who resigned today are VL Zaithanzama, Dr Vanlalthlana, Lalchhuanthanga, C. Lalsawivunga, and Vanlalhlana.
Their decision to step down came as a result of a number of factors related to their party affiliations and the legal framework surrounding his position.
The MLAs argued that during the 2018 MLA elections, the ZPM party had not yet registered with the Election Commission of India (ECI). As a result, they ran as an independent candidate and secured their positions in the Legislative Assembly.
Now, with the ZPM party officially registered with the ECI, they face a dilemma. To contest the election under the ZPM banner, they will have to resign from their current posts as an independent MLA.
The move is in line with provisions of the anti-defection law, which mandates that elected representatives vacate their seats if they want to change party affiliations.
It is to be noted that the ZPM party has extended its support to a total of six elected MLAs, including the five who have resigned.
Their leader, Lalduhoma, who was also elected as an independent candidate, was successfully shifted to the ZPM ticket after the official registration of the party with the ECI.