Aizawl, Mar 23 (PTI) Rejecting allegations levelled by the opposition Congress over land purchases in his constituency, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Monday said the acquisitions were aimed at helping financially distressed people rather than personal gain.
Speaking at a Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) function, where candidates for the upcoming Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC) elections were announced, Lalduhoma said the purchases were made in response to requests from people facing financial hardship.
“I have been elected from Serchhip constituency three times. I acquired these lands not because I needed or wanted them, but because people in distress urged me to buy their farms so they could overcome financial difficulties,” he said.
Lalduhoma claimed the transactions were carried out well before the election cycle and were intended as a form of support for his constituents.
Referring to similar land ownership by a former MLA in the area, Lalduhoma said he did not view such matters as deserving criticism, suggesting such purchases could also have been made to assist people in need.
The chief minister also said he would refrain from engaging in personal attacks, citing his belief in justice and restraint.
Lalduhoma said the ZPM government had delivered results despite criticism from opposition parties.
“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,” he said.
Earlier, state Youth Congress president Laltawnliana alleged that Lalduhoma had purchased large tracts of land near the Vantawng Falls viewpoint and in the Kanghmun South area of Serchhip district.
He alleged that the CM acquired 25 to 30 acres of land near Vantawng Falls in early 2024 from multiple landowners and also purchased land parcels in Kanghmun South.
He claimed that the land near Vantawng Falls could potentially benefit from a proposed Rs 34.50 crore ropeway project, while the Kanghmun South land falls within the proposed Thenzawl Peace City project area. PTI CORR SOM
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