Lalduhoma's new car raises eyebrows; ZPM calls it ‘a necessity'

Time of India

29-07-2025

Aizawl: Responding to mounting criticism, the ruling Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) on Tuesday defended chief minister Lalduhoma's acquisition of a new car, calling it a practical choice rather than an extravagant one.
Addressing reporters at the Aizawl Press Club, ZPM spokesperson K Laltluangkima acknowledged Lalduhoma's 2023 election promise to avoid expensive vehicles. "He did make that pledge. Initially, he used a 15-year-old car inherited from his predecessors. But repeated breakdowns prompted the purchase of a new car, priced between Rs 20 to 32 lakh," he said, adding that the model is common and hardly luxurious.
Laltluangkima pointed to a recent video showing the Nagaland CM with a 31-car convoy — 11 of which, he said, were the same model as Mizoram's CM's car. "Label it expensive if you must, but criticism may be overstated," he added. "Our CM is entitled to Z+ security. Despite being entitled to a bulletproof vehicle, the CM chose a regular car — a commendable decision under the circumstances."
"Better roads might have allowed cheaper alternatives. But in our terrain, such choices aren't viable," he said.