Baryl Vanneihsangi, Mizoram’s popular RJ-turned youngest MLA

In the recently declared Mizoram Assembly election results, the state witnessed a series of unprecedented milestones, notably the triumph of a 32-year-old female MLA candidate – the youngest to secure such a position. Baryl Vanneihsangi, a former television presenter, clinched victory in the Aizawl South-III constituency, outshining her rivals with a lead of 1,414 votes. Hailing from the emerging Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), the newly-crowned party in Mizoram, Vanneihsangi’s win further solidifies the party’s ascent.

Marking a seismic shift in the state’s political landscape, the ZPM, Mizoram’s newest political entity, decisively claimed victory by securing 27 out of the total 40 seats, relegating the incumbent Mizo National Front (MNF) to a secondary position.

Baryl Vanneihsangi’s triumphant electoral journey saw her amass a total of 9,370 votes, defeating the MNF candidate, F Lalnunmawia. According to the Election Commission’s affidavit, Vanneihsangi has a prior stint as a corporator in the Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC), showcasing her multifaceted involvement in civic responsibilities.

Before making a foray into politics, Vanneihsangi had a noteworthy career trajectory. Starting as a radio jockey in 2015, she transitioned to digital media, assuming the role of a television presenter for a local news channel. Her diverse background underscores the evolving nature of political leadership in Mizoram.

In one of her interviews with India Today, she said she wants to revolutionize the education sector of the state. Not only that, she said that her age is an advantage that can help her do several things. “I am pretty young, energetic and dare to do new things”, said Vanneihsangi in the interview.

She also spoke about gender equality and urged women to follow their passion.

“I just want to tell all the women out there that our gender doesn’t stop us from doing anything that we like and wish to pursue. It doesn’t prevent us from taking up something that we are passionate about. My message to them is that regardless of which community or social strata they belong to, if they want to take up something they should just go for it,” she told news agency ANI.

Vanneihsangi has a Master of Arts degree from the North Eastern Hill University in Shillong.

Out of the 174 candidates contesting the Mizoram election, only 16 were women. Three women became MLAs on Monday, making it the first time the state saw three women MLAs. Lalrinpuii and Baryl Vanneihsangi are from the victorious ZPM, while Pravo Chakma is from the outgoing MNF.