Latest news with #CADC
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Mizoram Governor, ZPM govt on collision course after BJP ouster in Chakma Council revolving door
Mizoram Governor Gen (retd) V K Singh's move to impose Governor's rule in the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) in view of its 'constant political instabilty' has upset the Lalduhoma-led Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) government, which has criticised him for allegedly undermining the democratic norms. Since its current term began in 2023, the CADC has seen two mass defections and two no-confidence motions with the first-ever BJP-led executive committee of the Council toppled last month, following which the ZPM staked claim to its leadership. The CADC, set up in 1972, is an autonomous body under the provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which is meant to ensure autonomy in the governance of the Chakma-inhabited belt in the state's Lawngtlai district. The Chakma tribe is an ethnic minority group, which is the second largest ethnic community in Mizoram. After the BJP was voted out from the CADC leadership through a no-confidence motion on June 16, the ZPM – with 16 out of 20 elected MDCs (members of development council), including 12 defectors from the BJP – staked claim to forming the next CADC panel. The BJP had also come to power in the wake of similar defections and a no-confidence motion in 2024. Following the ZPM's bid on June 18, the Governor sought the opinion of Chief Minister Lalduhoma's Council of Ministers on the issue, which disapproved of the dissolution of the CADC. However, on July 7, Gen Singh instead imposed Governor's rule, stating that the CADC's persistent instability 'is extremely detrimental' for it and 'is certainly not what is envisioned by the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India'. The official notification also said that the Governor will assume the CADC's powers and functions for six months, which would be exercised by Lawngtlai Deputy Commissioner on his behalf. Hitting back, the ZPM government pointed out that Gen Singh imposed the Governor's rule in the CADC against the advice given by the Council of Ministers. State Home Minister K Sapdanga said the Lalduhoma ministry had on July 4 suggested to the Governor that the CADC should not be dissolved and that the ZPM be allowed to form its next executive committee in view of its 'majority'. 'Though we are fully aware of the Governor's discretionary power over the ADC, we see his action as a breach of democratic principles,' Sapdanga said. However, Durjya Dhan Chakma, BJP leader and ex-CADC chief executive member (CEM), said the Governor has 'made the right move'. 'Dissolution is the only solution to this situation for now. But one of the reasons for these constant changes is that there is no anti-defection law in autonomous district councils and that needs to be brought for the long term,' he told The Indian Express. Over the last decade the CADC has been marked with instability, defections and shifting power. Its previous term from 2018 to 2023 had witnessed four different heads or CEMs taking charge. The previous election to the 20-member CADC was held in May 2023, when 10 members from the Mizo National Front (MNF) and 5 each from the BJP and the Congress had been elected. The MNF then formed the executive committee with its leader Rasik Mohan Chakma becoming the CEM. In December 2024, Rasik was removed from his post through a no-confidence motion. Defections of various members to different parties at that time had changed the composition of the Council, which then comprised 10 members from the ZPM, 9 from the BJP and one MNF member. But when the ZPM tried to form its executive panel, four of its member switched to the BJP, which tipped the balance and enabled the BJP to come to power for the first time in the CADC with Molin Kumar Chakma taking over as the new CEM, who was ousted last month. Subsequently, some notable Chakma civil society organisations met Gen Singh and submitted a memorandum seeking the imposition of Governor's rule. Denying partisanship, Central Young Chakma Association president Jyoti Bikash Chakma said this decision was spurred by frustration over 'instability and malpractices', saying that the CADC was facing a 'financial emergency' because of crores of shortfall in the budget for salaries of its employees since the last financial year. 'Nobody wants to be part of the Opposition, so when the CADC breaks, everyone jumps and moves to the party in the ascendant, and the whole Council changes. The main reason for this is backdoor appointments as political favours and nepotism. They want to remain in power to make these appointments,' Jyoti said. 'One of the requests we have made to the Governor is to order an independent inquiry into appointments made in the CADC. The Governor had imposed a moratorium on hiring in 2022 but we have estimated that since then, at least 200 appointments have been made. If this is taken up seriously, then this situation can be addressed,' he added.
The Print
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
Mizoram's Chakma council has had 7 heads since 2018. Why VK Singh won't have the 8th as BJP loses power
The latest round of instability hit the council on 16 June, when a no-confidence motion was passed against CEM Molin Kumar Chakma, who had formed the first BJP-led executive committee of the CADC, which is made up of 20 elected and four nominated members, in February this year. The executive committee of the council, formed in 1972 under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution for the welfare of the ethnic Chakma people, has been in a state of flux, with the Chief Executive Member (CEM), the head of the body, changing seven times since May 2018. New Delhi: Mizoram's Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC), which had emerged as a symbol of the region's ever-shifting political loyalties after the BJP joined hands with the Congress to govern it in May 2018, has been placed under Governor's Rule for the second time in just over three years, due to 'constant political instability'. The motion was passed as 12 BJP members of the council quit the party, switching over to the ruling Zoram People's Movement (ZPM), which secured the support of 16 members—five more than the halfway mark of 11. Lakkhan Chakma of the ZPM staked claim to the post of the CEM. However, despite having the required numbers, the ZPM will not be able to govern the council, located in south Mizoram's Lawngtlai district, as Governor VK Singh took over. The ZPM had dislodged the Mizo National Front from power in Mizoram in December 2023. 'Hon'ble Governor is of the firm opinion that the constant political instability is extremely detrimental for the CADC, and is certainly not what is intended by the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India, which envisions the effective administration of the tribal areas for the good of the people,' read the 7 July notification of the Mizoram District Council and Minority Affairs, declaring the Governor's move. 'And whereas, opinion of the Council of Ministers was obtained and whereas, as provided under Para 16(2) of the Sixth Schedule, the Hon'ble Governor is satisfied that the administration of the CADC cannot be carried on in accordance with provisions of the Sixth Schedule.' The ZPM hit back at Gen Singh (Retd), with Mizoram Home Minister K. Sapdanga calling the imposition of Governor's Rule a 'breach of democratic principles'. When contacted by ThePrint, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma's office said that Sapdenga had already spelt out the ZPM's position on the issue. Sapdenga told reporters that following a request from the Governor, the council of ministers held a meeting and unanimously disapproved the dissolution of the CADC. On 4 July, it also recommended to the Governor that the ZPM be allowed to form the next executive committee in the council. 'It is unfortunate that the Governor, despite seeking an opinion, made a decision ignoring the views of the council of ministers. Though we are fully aware of the governor's discretionary power over the ADC, we see his action as a breach of democratic principles,' Sapdenga said. According to the Sixth Schedule, 'if at any time the Governor is satisfied that a situation has arisen in which the administration of an autonomous district or region cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of this Schedule, he may, by public notification, assume to himself all or any of the functions or powers vested in or exercisable by the District Council'. The last time CADC was placed under Governor's Rule was in December 2022. The 'constant change of administration due to political maneuvering is extremely damaging for the welfare of the CADC and its people, and is certainly not what is intended by the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India, which envisions the effective administration of the tribal areas', read the notification then. The previous four years had been politically tumultuous for the CADC. The BJP-Congress alliance, formed in 2018, had lasted for about five months, collapsing a month before the assembly elections in the state in November 2018. Following that, the council went on to be led by four more CEM's. The CADC is among the 10 autonomous district councils spread across Sixth Schedule areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura. In Mizoram, apart from one for the Chakmas, there are two councils for the Lai and Mara ethnic tribes. (Edited by Mannat Chugh) Also Read: Congress, TMC oppose EC's 'special intensive revision' of electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
ZPM-guv ‘rift' over guv rule in CADC
Aizawl: The differences between the Mizoram governor and the ruling party in the state have come out in the open with the ruling Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) voicing support for the Mizoram council of ministers' decision urging the governor to revoke the recent imposition of governor's rule in the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC). The ZPM's statement on Wednesday followed a press conference held on Tuesday when home minister K Sapdanga had addressed the issue of the CADC being placed under the governor's rule by governor Gen VK Singh on Monday. Citing provisions under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, particularly Paragraph 14, the ZPM explained that the governor may institute a commission to assess the functioning of autonomous district or regional councils. The findings of such a panel are to be presented to the state legislature along with the governor's recommendations. The ZPM stated that the decision of the council of ministers was consistent with democratic norms and the rightful process for upholding public representation.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
VK imposes guv rule in Chakma council for six months
Aizawl: Mizoram governor Gen VK Singh on Monday imposed governor's rule in the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) for six months, exercising powers conferred under Sub-Para (2) of Para 16 and Para 20BB of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India. The decision has been taken by Singh in response to the frequent changes in leadership resulting in political instability and persistent maladministration that have hampered effective governance in the CADC. A BJP leader said an inquiry commission is also likely to be constituted under Para 14 of the Sixth Schedule to investigate the functioning and administrative irregularities of the CADC. CADC BJP president Durjya Dhan Chakma told TOI over phone that BJP welcomes this bold and timely decision. "It is a much-needed step to restore transparency, accountability, and stable governance in the Chakma Autonomous District Council — paving the way for renewed development and the welfare of the people," he said. Political instability raised its head during mid-June when the BJP ruled CADC led by chief executive member Molin Kumar Chakma was voted out of power in a no trust vote on June 16 after 12 BJP members of district council (MDCs) in the 20-member CADC switched loyalty to the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) ruling the state.
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Mizoram: Governor's rule imposed in Chakma Autonomous District Council
AIZAWL: Mizoram Governor V K Singh on Monday imposed governor's rule in the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) following prolonged political instability and frequent leadership changes. Mizoram Governor General (retired) VK Singh. (File Photo) A notification issued by the Department of District Council and Minority Affairs stated that the Governor has, under constitutional provisions, assumed all powers and functions vested in or exercisable by the CADC. The move follows the ousting of chief executive member (CEM) Molin Kumar Chakma through a no-confidence motion on June 16. Subsequently, Lakkhan Chakma staked claim to become the third CEM of the 11th CADC, backed by eight BJP members who defected to the ruling Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) on June 2. The notification cited 'constant political instability' as a key reason behind the decision, stating that such a situation is 'extremely detrimental for the CADC' and contrary to the objectives of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which mandates effective administration of tribal areas. The Governor has authorised the deputy commissioner of Lawngtlai district to exercise the council's powers on his behalf with immediate effect, for a period of six months or until further orders.
