Mizoram Set to Witness a Three-Way Contest in Assembly Elections
Mizoram, India’s second least populated state, is gearing up for a three-way contest in the upcoming assembly elections scheduled for November. Unlike other states in the country, politics in Mizoram is dominated by civil society rather than money or force.
The ruling Mizo National Front (MNF), led by Chief Minister Soramthanga, currently faces a challenge not only from its traditional rival, the Indian National Congress, but also from the Soram People’s Movement, which has gained significant momentum this time around. Speaker Lalrinliana Sailo, who is affiliated with the Bharatiya Janata Party, has also distanced himself from the party, adding further uncertainty to the political landscape.
In Mizoram, support from religious organizations and social groups plays a major role in determining the candidates’ success. Moreover, Chief Minister Soramthanga has leveraged the issue of ethnicity to win over the Mizo electorate. By championing the cause of the Kuki-Cho people in neighboring Manipur, who are embroiled in an ethnic conflict, and defying the central government’s order to collect biometric data of refugees from Myanmar due to their ethnic ties with the Mizo people, Soramthanga has positioned himself favorably compared to his opponents.
The MNF’s strong stance on the ethnic issue has resonated with the Mizo people, as demonstrated by civil society organizations staging protests in support of the Kuki-Cho people. This has given the ruling party an advantage, despite other parties in Mizoram being in agreement with the government’s position.
On the other hand, the Soram People’s Movement has capitalized on the MNF’s development achievements and gained support in the recent Lunglei municipal elections. This indicates that their influence has expanded beyond urban areas. In rural areas, the Congress party, along with the People’s Conference Party and the Soram Nationalist Party, has emerged as a strong opposition to the MNF-P alliance.
One of the pressing concerns in Mizoram has been inflation, which has been a major factor influencing voter choice over the past year. Despite being a small state contributing minimally to India’s population and GDP, Mizoram holds significant importance as a border state. Although its economy is largely agricultural, there is potential for growth in the services and tourism sectors. However, progress on infrastructure and projects linking Mizoram with Myanmar and beyond has been limited, hindering its potential for economic development.
The multiparty competition in the upcoming assembly elections is expected to shed light not only on issues of ethnic unity but also on matters of development. With Mizoram serving as a crucial gateway to India’s ‘Look East’ strategy, it is essential for the state to address these issues to fulfill its potential and participate effectively in India’s economic growth.