Mizoram BJP expels state council member for ‘anti-party’ activities

Aizawl: BJP’s Mizoram unit expelled its state council member Lalrinliana Sailo, a former speaker of the assembly, from the party for “indulging in anti-party activities”.

The expulsion order, signed by state general secretary of Mizoram BJP Lalfakzuala Hauzel, said state president K Beichhua notified that Lalrinliana Sailo was expelled from the party with immediate effect.

The order said the action was taken after Sailo failed and refused to submit any reply to the show cause notice issued by the State Disciplinary Action Committee of the BJP Mizoram Pradesh. “The matter was thereafter thoroughly discussed and deliberated upon in the Extended Office Bearers Meeting,” it said.

“After due consideration of the breach of party discipline and anti-party activities the decision has been final and binding.” The copy of the expulsion order was given to BJP National President Nitin Nabin, National General Secretary (Organisation) BL Santosh, BJP Northeast Coordinator Sambit Patra and others.

A former student leader, Sailo joined the Congress party, became a member of the state legislative assembly and was inducted in the Congress ministry during 2008-2013, holding portfolios like health and family welfare and trade and commerce. He left the Congress party before 2018 state assembly elections and joined the Mizo National Front (MNF). He successfully contested from Chalfilh assembly constituency and was elected as speaker.

However, he left MNF and joined BJP in 2023 after it was clear that MNF was not giving him a ticket in the 2023 assembly polls. He unsuccessfully contested from the Mamit assembly seat in 2023 on a BJP ticket.