The ZPM on Tuesday announced Tlanghmingthanga Sailo as its candidate for the Rajya Sabha election. With the party holding a majority in the Mizoram Legislative Assembly, Sailo is widely expected to become Mizoram's next Member of Parliament in the Upper House.
His career spans politics, media, church leadership and business.
Announcing the candidate, ZPM General Secretary C. Lalnunnema said the party had many capable leaders to choose from but reached its decision smoothly. "We have many good candidates and choosing among them was not easy, yet the meeting was conducted smoothly without any difficulty," he said.
In his brief remarks, Laltluangkima said Mizoram's lone Rajya Sabha seat carries significant responsibility. "Mizoram has only one Rajya Sabha MP, with a six-year term. During that period, I will strive to do everything possible for the state," he said. He thanked the party leadership and nomination committee for their trust, saying ZPM's rapid rise was made possible by the commitment and sacrifice of its leaders and workers at every level. He also credited the party's growth to the leadership provided by the Chief Minister, ministers and MLAs.
The Election Commission of India has scheduled the Rajya Sabha election for June 18, with nominations to be filed by June 8. Laltluangkima is expected to file his nomination on June 4.
Born on 16 October 1963 in Saitual, Tlanghmingthanga Sailo holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from St. Anthony's College and Christian Communication Studies at Trinity and All Saints College, Leeds. In addition, he obtained a Master of Plumbing qualification in Maryland, United States.
Laltluangkima worked as Manager of the Synod Electronic Communication Department for 12 years. He has held various office-bearer positions in Mission Veng Branch KTP, was the founding force behind the Synod publication Kristian Naupang, and has also served as President of Mission Veng Branch YMA.
Politically, he joined the then MNF (N), which later evolved into the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM), in 1997. Under the leadership of the Central Campaign Front (CCF), he contested the 1998 Assembly election from Bilkhawthlir constituency. He currently serves as Member Secretary of the ZPM Political Affairs Committee (PAC) and as the party's spokesperson.
The Rajya Sabha member will be elected by Mizoram's MLAs. Given ZPM's numerical strength in the Assembly, the party's chosen candidate is widely expected to secure the seat and become Mizoram's next Member of Parliament in the Upper House.