 When the Mizo National Front formed the government in 1987 under the leadership of Laldenga, he looked after Finance and Education departments.In 1990, when Laldenga died, he became the President of the Mizo National Front.When the assembly elections were held at the end of 1998, he led his party to victory and became the fifth Chief Minister of Mizoram, he was re-elected in 2003 but lost both Champhai seats in 2008 Assembly elections.