Guwahati: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma has ruled out the possibility of a major Cabinet reshuffle, saying his ministers have only recently become fully acquainted with their respective departments and there is no immediate need for sweeping changes.
Speaking at a function organised by the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) at the party office on Monday, Lalduhoma also reiterated that his government would continue to place people at the centre of its governance, in line with the party’s vision of being a “People’s Movement.”
His remarks come days after he assumed charge of the Personal and Administrative Reforms Department, a portfolio previously held by Minister K. Sapdanga. The move had fuelled speculation in political circles, with opposition parties alleging differences between the Chief Minister and Sapdanga.
Dismissing reports of a larger reshuffle, Lalduhoma said his government, which has completed half of its five-year term, sees no reason to alter the Cabinet significantly.
“There has been speculation about a major reshuffle, but our ministers have worked hard and are only now becoming fully established in their departments. Therefore, we do not feel a major reshuffle is necessary,” he said.
The Chief Minister, however, clarified that the government has carried out nearly 10 minor administrative adjustments since assuming office to improve coordination among departments and meet administrative requirements arising from the Centre’s directives.
He added that similar changes would continue whenever required in the interest of efficient governance.
Lalduhoma also reiterated that the decision to relieve Sapdanga of the Personal and Administrative Reforms portfolio had been taken earlier by the ZPM’s Political Affairs Committee (PAC) and was not linked to any internal differences.
Reflecting on the party’s journey to power, the Chief Minister credited both party workers and the people of Mizoram for the ZPM’s electoral success.
While acknowledging the contribution of party workers, he said the government’s primary responsibility is towards the people who placed their trust in the party.
“As a People’s Movement, we must always remain close to the people. Compared to previous administrations, people today have a greater sense of ownership in this government, and that trust must remain our highest priority,” he said.
Lalduhoma urged party members to assess the government’s performance based on its policies and overall governance rather than individual expectations or requests.
He said the administration still has considerable work ahead, particularly in tackling corruption, reforming governance systems and improving the quality of public service delivery.
“Although we have completed half of our tenure, there is still much to accomplish. This is not the time to become complacent,” he said.
Highlighting the state’s long-term development agenda, the Chief Minister referred to the government’s Vikshit Mizoram 2047 vision document, prepared in line with the Centre’s Vikshit Bharat 2047 initiative.
He said the roadmap aims to transform Mizoram’s economy and set an ambitious target of contributing at least one per cent to India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2047.
Lalduhoma said the vision extends beyond the tenure of the present government and is intended to benefit future generations.
Looking ahead, he remarked that he had never prayed to remain Chief Minister for a longer period, but instead hoped that someone “better and stronger, both physically and spiritually,” would lead the state in the future.
The Chief Minister also praised the ZPM’s internal democratic structure, noting that the party’s Val Upa Council (Council of Elders) is entrusted with selecting its chief ministerial candidate, a practice he described as a unique feature of the party.