Aizawl/Shimla - As the countdown to the state assembly elections in five Indian states begins, Indian National Congress leader Rahul Gandhi Tuesday queered the political pitch in Aizawl, Mizoram, a northeast State. Gandhi in the presence of Mizoram Congress leaders took on the combined might of the BJP-MNF-ZPM combine ahead of the coming elections.
Mizoram politics centres around the five major tribes- Lushei,Ralte, Hmar, Paihte. Pawi, though there are 11 sub-tribes, who have lost their identifies and are merged with that of major tribes.
Congress, it seems, has to take on the combined might of the BJP-MNF-ZPM if the things go as the BJP has planned. Zoram People’s movement(ZPM), is a six regional party alliance formed under the leadership MLA and former member of Parliament Lalduhoma and “ believes in secularism and protection of religious minorities in India”.
In his press conference which was followed by his public meeting in Lunglei Mizoram on Tuesday, Rahul Gandhi did not mince words as he took on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), emphasizing the potential threat posed by local parties MNF (Mizo National Front) and ZPM (Zoram People's Movement). Congress leader sought the support of the Christian majority state with blessings of the clergy.
He asserted that these parties- MNF and ZPM- could be the BJP's entry points to undermine the unique identity and culture of Mizoram.
Rahul Gandhi contrasted the development in Congress-ruled states like Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka- He did not mention about Congress Government in Himachal Pradesh- with the violence he cited in BJP-ruled Manipur in the Northeast.
He highlighted the successes of Congress policies, such as Rajasthan's remarkable healthcare policy and Karnataka's Social Security system.
Moreover, Rahul Gandhi announced a set of incentives aimed at engaging the youth of Mizoram and garnering support for the Congress in the upcoming elections. These incentives include freebies like old-age pensions, affordable gas cylinders, and economic empowerment for entrepreneurs.
Addressing the pressing issue of unemployment and its role in the rise of drug problems in Mizoram, Rahul Gandhi stressed the need for job creation and entrepreneurship programs. He outlined the Congress's vision for holistic development in the state.
Throughout his speech, Rahul Gandhi defended the Congress party's historical commitment to protecting people's rights and preserving their culture, underlining the perceived threats to these values posed by MNF and ZPM's affiliations with the BJP.
When questioned about Mizoram's support for Chin refugees from Myanmar and whether India's refugee policies would change under Congress, Rahul Gandhi indicated that local responses would be integral to determining the course of action.
Rahul Gandhi also pointed out the imperative of dismantling the division and hatred that has emerged within Manipur, a state in turmoil, due to divisive politics what he alleged is the handiwork of the BJP-RSS combine in the Northeast.
In the face of challenges, Rahul Gandhi said he was confident about the Congress's prospects in the upcoming elections. He asserted that the Congress party's strong presence and the ideological alignment of the people of Mizoram would lead to success in the polls.
As a matter of fact, Mizoram has become the first and the only state not only in the Himalayan region but in the entire county to oppose the Forest Conservation Amendment Act, 2023 which was passed by both houses of Parliament early this month.
The State Assembly of Mizoram had unanimously passed a single line resolution on August 22 , 2023 opposing Forest Conservation Amendment Act 2023.
The 40- member House of the 8th state assembly that met on Augst 22 in Aizawl declared that the Mizoram assembly had resolved to oppose the forest conservation amendment act 2023 in order to protect the rights and interest of people of Mizoram.
The Mizoram government led by the Mizoram National Front, Chief Minister, Pu Zoramthanga has absolute majority in the 40 -member house of Mizoram Assembly. MNF has 27 members.
The opposition parties are represented by 13 members in which ZPM has six MLAs, Indian National Congress has 5, BJP and Independent one each.
Congress had led two successive state governments in 2018 and 2013. Will Congress stage a comeback in November 2023 elections?
To what extent will Gandhi fan out his idea of “Mizoram in its politics that centres around the five major tribes remains to be seen.
Equally, MNF and ZPM also face challenge as to how to keep its tribe and truck with BJP together as both MNF and ZPM had opposed the Forest Conservation Amendment Bill considering that it was passed by the Modi regime, their allies in the state. How will the trio-BJP,MNF, ZPM- go together among people convincing them to vote for them?
But much will depend how youth reacts and act to what Congress says and how far the cult of Zoramthanga will make a cut to beat the anti-incumbency in this tiny state”, said Mizoram affairs experts. As of now, nobody knows how the Forest Law will impact them, they said.
The political pitch is getting queered and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also made his mark in the Northeast states through his “Look East policy”.
It is an interesting prelude to the state assembly elections in the region. The subsequent rallies by BJP-MNF-ZPM combine, which is also a force to reckon with in Mizoram, will also continue to make the pitch queerer.
Much will also depend on whether BJP chooses to ride piggyback on MNF and ZPM or will it bat for its cake in the seat sharing.
