At the Mizoram Raj Bhavan's Circular Lawn, Zoramthanga-led Mizo National Front government was sworn-in by Mizoram Governor Kummanam Rajasekharan, today, following the state’s largest regional party’s  victory in the November 28 elections to the 40-seat Assembly.

This was the third time the 74-year-old politician was sworn in as the Chief Minister. He had been the chief minister for two consecutive terms from 1998 to 2008.

Along with Zoramthanga, five others, Tawnluia, Dr R Lalthangliana, Lalchamliana, R Lalzirliana and C Lalrinsanga were sworn in as Cabinet ministers. Tawnluia, a former Home Minister in the previous MNF Ministry and senior vice-president of the party, took oath as Deputy Chief Minister.

Two-first timers T J Lalnuntluanga, 39-year-old advocate-turned-politician, elected from Champhai South Constituency, and I-League Vhampion Club Aizawl Football Club owner Robert Romawia Royte, were among the six Ministers of State who took oath today.

The Cabinet members sworn in today included R Lalzirliana, former home Minister in the Seventh Mizoram State Legislative Assembly. He became the only politician in Mizoram who is a Cabinet member for three consecutive terms. 

Today’s swearing ceremony held at the Raj Bhavan lawn marked by Christian rituals, the first in the predominantly Christian state. Rendering National Anthem was followed by Bible reading and prayer by Rev R Lalhmingthanga, Moderator, Synod of Presbyterian Church, Mizoram and was supplemented with the famous Christian hymn Halleluiah Chorus and National Anthem.

The Oath of Office and Secrecy was taken in Mizo language which was also the first time in Mizoram.

Among the dignitaries who attended the ceremony were outgoing Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Assam Minister Keshab Mahanta, and former Assam Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta.