Aizawl: The ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) on Sunday suffered a humiliating defeat in the bypoll to the Serchhip assembly seat as arch-rival ZPM's nominee Lalduhoma, whose disqualification necessitated the by-election, retained the seat by a landslide margin.
Lalduhoma secured 8,269 votes, which is 51 per cent of the total 16,595 votes polled and defeated his nearest opponent Vanlalzawma of the MNF by a margin of 3,310 votes.
Vanlalzawma bagged 5,319 votes, and Congress nominee PC Laltlansanga got 2,604 votes. BJP candidate Lalhriatrenga Chhangte secured 250 votes.
The counting of votes began at 8 am amid strict COVID protocols.
The bypoll, held on April 17, saw over 83 per cent turnout.
Read:Congress leads against BJP in MP Assembly by-poll
Lalduhoma, who defeated then chief minister Lal Thanhawla of the Congress in 2018 assembly polls, was disqualified by Speaker Lalrinliana Sailo in November last year under the anti-defection law, following complaints filed by 12 ruling party legislators.
Speaking to reporters, Lalduhoma said the mandate was a 'miracle' in the political history of Mizoram as opposition parties hardly won an assembly bypoll in the state in the past.
Usually, assembly a by-election is considered 'safe' for the ruling party, he said.