Aizawl, Jan 12: Five members of the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) from the Chakma Autonomous District Council (CADC) in Mizoram have joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), increasing the party’s strength in the 20-member council to seven.

The defections follow ZPM’s recent claim of holding a 16-member majority and its request to Governor VK Singh for a floor test. The council has been under governor’s rule since July last year due to the absence of a clear majority, despite the state Cabinet’s statement dismissing any political instability.

BJP district president Durjya Dhan Chakma confirmed the switch to PTI and added that another member is expected to join the party this week. After the defections, ZPM has 11 members, MNF one, and there is one Independent.