NEW DELHI/AIZWAL: In another setback to the ruling Congress party in Mizoram, sitting legislator Hmingdailova Khiangte on Monday quit his assembly seat amid speculation that he could contest either Independent or join a party.
The Tuirial MLA Mr Khiangte, a retired police DIG, submitted his resignation to the Assembly Speaker and maintained that he will announce his future course of action only on Tuesday.
The announcement of his quitting the state legislature comes on a day former Chief Minister Zoramthanga-led MNF announced a list of 39 candidates for the 40-member assembly.
The Congress has named L Ralte, a local leader from Tuirial assembly segment.
In Monday's announcement, MNF has fielded Sailothanga Sailo.
Mr Ralte was earlier associated with a little known but influential Zoram Nationalist Party.
That way Mr Khiangte's chances of joining MNF is remote but the politics in Mizoram has taken curious turn with the BJP and its ally from Meghalaya - the NPP of Conrad Sangma - entering the fray.
There are other smaller parties too which could play a significant role in government formation if the November 28 polls throw up a hung assembly.
The BJP on Saturday announced its list of 13 candidates but Tuirial constituency was not among them.
The ruling Congress, which is in power in the state since 2008, has suffered major setbacks recently as prominent leaders including the onetime trusted aide of Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla and the state Home Minister R.
Lalziriliana resigned on September 14.
Former health minister Lalrinliana Sailo resigned from the assembly as well as the membership of Congress party.
Former Congress legislator and an ex-minister Dr Buddha Dhan Chakma resigned from the state legislature on October 16 and joined BJP in presence of BJP national president Amit Shah on October 17.