Aizawl: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Monday rebutted allegations over his land ownership within his constituency, claiming the acquisitions were acts of humanitarian assistance rather than personal investment.
Speaking at a function of the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) in Aizawl to announce the names of candidates for the upcoming Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC) elections, the Chief Minister broke his silence on the recent claims made by the Mizoram Pradesh Youth Congress Committee (MPYCC).
The MPYCC had accused Lalduhoma of an unprecedentedly rapid accumulation of massive wealth through the strategic acquisition of vast tracts of land near key development zones within his constituency in Serchhip district.
Lalduhoma argued that veteran MLAs would understand the unique pressures of representing a constituency, where leaders are often approached by residents facing extreme financial hardship.
“I have been elected from this (Serchhip) constituency three times. I acquired these lands not because I needed or wanted them, but because people in distress pleaded with me to buy their farms so they could stay afloat,” the Chief Minister explained.
He claimed that these transactions were conducted well before the election cycle and were rooted in a desire to provide a safety net for his constituents.
Citing that his predecessor (MLA) also held a large plot featuring ponds near his own lands, Lalduhoma adopted a diplomatic stance and said, “We do not see it as something to criticise; perhaps he was also helping those in need.”
Invoking a biblical perspective, he stated that his foundation rests on the principle of divine justice: “Never take your own revenge. Vengeance is mine; I will repay,” indicating he would not engage in retaliatory mudslinging.
Lalduhoma struck a confident tone regarding the ZPM administration’s track record. He said that despite criticism from opposition parties, the government has succeeded in areas where many thought it would fail.
“Our party and our government must strive to be better than others. We believe this administration is honoured by God, enabling us to achieve what was once considered impossible,” Lalduhoma said.
Earlier, MPYCC president Laltawnliana had alleged that the Chief Minister had purchased large tracts of land around the Vantawng Falls viewpoint and in the Kanghmun South area in Serchhip district.
He alleged that in early 2024, Lalduhoma reportedly acquired 25 to 30 acres of land in the Buangpui area near Vantawng Falls from five owners, and separately from four different owners in Kanghmun South.
He further alleged that the land at Vantawng Falls is strategically located to claim compensation from the Rs 34.50 crore earmarked for the installation of a ropeway there, while the land in Kanghmun South is situated within the proposed footprint of the Thenzawl Peace City project, suggesting an attempt to gain personally.
The Congress leader alleged that the acquisitions were not merely personal investments but were positioned to capitalise on multi-crore government infrastructure projects.
He said that despite Lalduhoma portraying himself as a man of modest means, his actions since becoming Chief Minister confirm that he has rapidly become one of the wealthiest figures in the state.