Development is BJP agenda in Mizoram

Mizoram has turned into a electoral battle-ground where parties are seen adopting tactics ranging from developmental politics to religion.

Termed as ‘anti-Christian,’ the BJP is limiting its campaigns on development issues while on the other hand the Congress continues to attack the saffron party on religious lines.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh held three rallies in the state, which is set to go for polls on November 28.

Singh slammed that Lal Thanhawla-led Congress government for failing to improve the state’s roads during its 10-year tenure.

But the home minister stayed mum and didn't attempt to counter AICC general secretary Luizinho Faleiro’s allegation in Aizawl that attack on Christians had increased since the BJP came to power at the Centre in 2014.

In a bid to attarct votes, Singh promised about amending the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to give more powers to three separate autonomous district councils meant for welfare of Lai, Mara and Chakma communities.

The councils have been demanding more powers and direct central funding, instead of routing the same through the state government.

Hours before the home minister’s rallies, Faleiro, former chief minister of Goa, accused the BJP of being anti-Christian and accused the saffron party of introducing the culture of religious intolerance and political vendetta.

He also claimed that 97% of the attacks related to cow-slaughters were reported after Narendra Modi-led government came to power.

Congress workers hoped that the allegation on cow slaughter could help the Congress in the state, which has 97% Christian voters.

The ruling Congress is confident of retaining power for the third consecutive term saying that the ‘Hindu BJP’ would not be accepted in the Christian state.

It also accused the BJP of having a ‘secret pact’ with the regional Mizo National Front, contesting in 40 seats, for an alliance after the polls to remain in power like it did in Meghalaya and Nagaland earlier this year.

BJP, which is contesting in 39 of the 40 seats, however, is focusing on constituencies with Buddhist Chakma population and Hindi Bru refugees, who are in relief camps in the neighbouring state of Tripura since 1997.

More than 10,000 Bur voters are likely to be provided transport by the Election Commission to cast their votes in polling stations in Mizoram’s Mamit district, which borders Tripura.