Baryl Vanneihsangi, a 32-year-old former radio jockey, TV anchor and Instagram influencer, has become the youngest woman MLA of Mizoram after winning the recent state election. She is one of the three women elected to the 40-member Mizoram Assembly, which has historically seen low representation of women in politics.
Vanneihsangi contested from the Aizawl South-III constituency as a candidate of the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), a regional party that emerged as the main opposition to the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF). She secured 9,370 votes, defeating F Lalnunmawia of the MNF by a margin of 1,414 votes.
Vanneihsangi has a Master of Arts degree from the North Eastern Hill University in Shillong, Meghalaya. She started her career as a TV anchor, gaining popularity in that role. She later became a corporator in the Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC) before joining the ZPM.
She is also an avid social media user, with over 250,000 followers on Instagram. Her bio on Instagram describes her as a “TV Presenter/Hostess/Anchor/Politician”. She often posts pictures and videos of her personal and professional life, as well as motivational messages for her fans.
Vanneihsangi is a vocal advocate for gender equality and women empowerment. She believes that women should pursue their passions and goals, regardless of their gender or social background. She told news agency ANI, “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 also expressed her gratitude to the people who voted for her and entrusted her with the responsibility of representing them. She said, “I dedicate my victory to the people who have shown faith in me. I promise to be honest and righteous and work for the development of the state. I also thank the ZPM for giving me this opportunity and supporting me throughout the campaign.”
Vanneihsangi’s historic win is a sign of changing times in Mizoram, where women have traditionally been underrepresented in politics and decision-making. She is an inspiration for many young women who aspire to make a difference in the society.
