AIZAWL, Oct 27 - Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee has been compelled to rethink its candidate for Palak constituency under Mara Autonomous District Council (MADC) as majority of Congress members in the ADC put up stiff protest over the selection.
The Congress had fielded 81-year-old incumbent Speaker Hiphei for Palak seat against the wishes of six of Congress MDCs who favoured retired IAS officer K Riachho.
A source in the Congress said the nomination committee chaired by Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla met here on Thursday to review the list released by party high command, especially in the case of Palak constituency. Another crucial round of meeting was held on Friday, the outcome of which is yet to be known.
The Congress party�s nomination committee had earlier recommended the two names for the seat. Although the name of Hiphei figured in number one, several leaders hoped that due to age, the party ticket would eventually pass to Riachho.
Moreover, the majority six members of the MADC nomination committee of Congress had favoured Riachho and in Thursday�s meeting reportedly decided to quit Congress in the event the party stands by the decision of the AICC.
When Congress central election committee released the names of candidates and named Hiphei as the party candidate for Palak, the six pro-Riachho members threatened to quit Congress and join MNF or even BJP.
As this development will have a direct impact on the outcome of polls, the Congress nomination committee decided to review the list, the source said.