The small northeastern state of Mizoram has become the epicenter of a major political confrontation that could reshape the region's political landscape. As the state prepares for assembly elections on November 28, the stakes couldn't be higher for all parties involved.
The Last Stand for Congress in Northeast
For the Congress party, Mizoram represents its final bastion in the northeast region. Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla has confidently declared that his party will secure majority on its own, dismissing any concerns about anti-incumbency affecting their prospects.
The ruling party faces challenges from the relaxation of prohibition laws, which has upset the influential Church. However, Congress hopes to compensate for this potential loss of support by banking on its pro-farmer New Land Use Policy to maintain its stronghold in rural areas.
Congress has been accused of trying to outbid its traditional rival, the Mizo National Front (MNF), in positioning itself as the protector of the majority Mizo community. The MNF had historically taken up arms to create a sovereign state for the Mizos.
BJP's Strategic Play for Mizoram
The Bharatiya Janata Party, which has failed to win a single seat in its five previous attempts to enter the state assembly, is employing a different strategy this time. Recognizing the state's overwhelming Christian majority, the party has toned down its Hindutva rhetoric and instead focused on inclusive development.
BJP has strategically positioned itself as a new political force that can cleanse what it calls the rotting political culture of Mizoram. The party is leveraging its clean slate, earned through previous electoral losses, to criticize both Congress and MNF.
One of BJP's key campaign slogans emphasizes: For faster development, elect the party in power at the Centre. The party has also played the pro-minority card by supporting the Hindu Bru and Buddhist Chakma tribes.
Regional Players and Potential Alliances
The Mizo National Front, which has ruled the state twice but managed only five seats in the 40-member assembly in 2013, hopes to capitalize on anti-incumbency sentiments. The party benefits from its positive relationship with the Church and its anti-drinking stance.
Adding complexity to the electoral battlefield are new regional players including the National People's Party (NPP) and the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM). The ZPM, a coalition of seven parties including People's Conference, could emerge as a dark horse or kingmaker if neither major party secures majority.
State BJP president JV Hluna has expressed confidence about forming the government, stating: We will get 21-25 MLAs even if we don't get as many seats. We have friends in MNF and ZPM.
While both MNF and ZPM have publicly denied any association with BJP, political observers note that the regional parties' issues with Congress could ultimately drive them toward the BJP. The MNF is already a constituent member of the North East Democratic Alliance, the regional version of the NDA.
The election results will not only determine Mizoram's government but also set the tone for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, making this small state's political outcome significant for national politics.
