Lalduhoma dismisses Congress’s allegations regarding the land purchase dispute.

Mizoram: On March 23, Lalduhoma dismissed allegations leveled by the Indian National Congress regarding the purchase of land in the Serchhip constituency. He emphasized that these lands were acquired not for personal gain, but to assist individuals grappling with financial distress.

Speaking at a Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) event in Aizawl—where candidates for the upcoming Aizawl Municipal Corporation elections were announced—the Chief Minister stated that these land transactions were undertaken at the behest of local residents facing economic hardships.

Lalduhoma remarked, “I have been elected from Serchhip three times. I did not purchase the land out of personal necessity or desire; rather, I bought it because people in distress approached me and urged me to purchase their fields so that they could overcome their financial difficulties.”

He underscored that these purchases were executed well before the commencement of the election cycle and were intended to provide a form of support to his constituents. Drawing a parallel, he noted that former legislators in the region also possess similar landholdings, and such ownership should not inherently be deemed controversial; he suggested that such actions, too, may have been taken with the objective of assisting those in need.

The Chief Minister further stated that he would refrain from engaging in personal attacks, emphasizing his commitment to restraint and justice. He also highlighted his government’s achievements, asserting that—despite criticism from opposition parties—the ZPM administration has delivered superior results.

This controversy erupted when Laltawariliana, President of the Mizoram Youth Congress, alleged that Lalduhoma had acquired large tracts of land near Vantawng Falls in the Serchhip district and in the Kanghmun South area. According to the allegations, these acquisitions—made in early 2024—included 25 to 30 acres of land situated near this popular tourist destination, along with the purchase of several additional land parcels in Kanghmun South.

The Congress leader further claimed that the land near Vantawng Falls stands to benefit from the proposed ₹34.50 crore ropeway project, while the land in Kanghmun South falls within the scope of the proposed ‘Thenzawl Peace City’ project.

These allegations have lent a political dimension to the issue just ahead of the local body elections, with both sides now trading accusations regarding the intent and transparency of these land deals.