MizoramAIZAWL: Independents may be also-rans in most states, but in Mizoram, they lead the pack. For a simple reason: the Lok Sabha elections here have only Independents in the fray. Moreover, they are all contesting for the Lok Sabha for the first time.The ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) and Mizoram People's Conference (MPC) have decided to put up a consensus candidate, Vanlalzawma, who would use the symbol of neither party. The candidate of the main Opposition party, the Congress, and its ally, MNF (Nationalist), is also an Independent, Rokamlova, who will again use a free symbol. The BJP, for its part, has not fielded anyone and is likely to support the non-Congress alliance.The candidates of two other parties - Ephraim Union and Ephraim Israel National Convention - are in the fray but again as Independents. While the first is a registered, though unrecognised party, the latter is not even registered.Rokamlova perhaps is the only well-known political figure, having been a minister and Assembly speaker. However, neither he nor Anlalzawma has ever contested any election. The other candidates are virtually unknown in the political arena, as are their parties.However, the history of Lok Sabha polls in Mizoram shows that thrice Independents have been elected from the state. Dr R. Rothuama had won as in Independent first in 1977 and again in 1980. In the last (1998) parliamentary polls, another Independent, Dr H. Lallungmuana, had won. He was supported by the MNF(N), MPC and Citizens' Common Front.
