Rahul Gandhi begins Mizoram campaign, accuses BJP of oppressing tribals and Dalits
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Aizawl: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi commenced his campaign in Mizoram ahead of the state's crucial November 7 assembly elections.
Rahul Gandhi, who arrived in Aizawl for a two-day visit, led a foot march from the Chanmari area to the Raj Bhawan and addressed party workers and supporters at a rally.
During his speech, Rahul Gandhi criticised the Centre and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their handling of ethnic violence in neighbouring Manipur. He denounced the BJP and the Mizo National Front (MNF) for their actions against culture, traditions, language, and religion.
"I was 16 years old when I first visited Mizoram with my father after the Mizo Accord was signed, paving the way for peace. The BJP attacks your culture, traditions, language, and religion. The ruling Mizo National Front supports the BJP at the Centre," he said.
Rahul Gandhi also expressed his concerns about the situation in Manipur. "I went to Manipur a few months back, and what I saw was shocking. They have killed the idea of Manipur. Manipur is now divided into two states," he added, highlighting the impact of divisive politics, reported NDTV.
In his speech, Rahul Gandhi emphasised that the BJP government's policies adversely affect tribal communities, minorities, and Dalits. He assured the crowd that the Congress would protect their culture, language, traditions, and religion.
During his visit, Rahul Gandhi interacted with students at the Lal Thanhawla Auditorium. He will also meet with state party leaders at the Aijal Club, address the media, and hold an election rally in Lunglei.
The Congress recently formed the Mizoram Secular Alliance (MSA) with local parties to counter the BJP. Chief Minister Zoramthanga downplayed the alliance's significance, emphasising the challenge posed by the Zoram Peoples' Movement (ZPM) as the main opposition.
For the Congress, these elections hold significant importance as they strive to establish a non-MNF, non-BJP alliance akin to the I.N.D.I.A. bloc. The BJP is also aiming to make inroads in a state where the majority of the electorate is Christian.
In the 2018 elections, the MNF came to power, ending the Congress's decade-long rule in Mizoram. The MNF secured a majority on its own, while the Congress finished third, prompting the current efforts to create an anti-MNF, anti-BJP coalition.
Rahul Gandhi's visit to Mizoram is seen as a pivotal moment in the state's political landscape as parties and alliances gear up for the upcoming assembly elections.