Mizoram Polls: Can Zoramthanga's MNF Reclaim State Amid Challenges From An Emerging ZPM And Congress
Mizoram Election 2023: Zoramthanga-led Mizo National Front is eyeing a second term in Mizoram amid ZPM's growing influence.
The ruling Mizo National Front is poised to face a two-side challenge from the Congress party and the Zoram People's Movement as the state is set to undergo polls on November 7. The northeastern state, with the second least population in the country, has civil society at the helm of its politics with social service, public standing, and backing of religious organisations a pre-requisite for candidature rather than money and muscle power.
The Zoramthanga-led Mizo National Front eyes a second term as the 40-member Mizoram Legislative Assembly goes to polls on November 7 in a single phase while the votes will be counted on December 3 along with Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana.
Born out of an insurgent movement, the Mizo National Front has formed government for three terms — since the inception of the state in 1972 — pivoting on cause of the Kuki-Zo people embroiled in conflict in neighbouring Manipur, its handling of the refugees and displaced people from Myanmar and Bangladesh.
Exuding confidence Chief Minister Zoramthanga recently said the party will come back to power and bag 25-35 seats in the upcoming polls.
SEDP, Refugee Handling To Work In Favour Of MNF?
The incumbent MNF has been praised for Socio-Economic Development Policy (SEDP) The party's flagship programme aims to transform Mizoram into a welfare state through sustainable development by accelerating progress in key sectors through judicious use of resources. Mizoram Deputy Chief Minister Tawnluia said that the state government has disbursed Rs 450 crore as assistance to thousands of beneficiaries under the programme as he assured that the scheme will continue if the party makes a comeback.
The party has also gained credit for its handling of refugees and displaced individuals from Myanmar and Bangladesh and internally from Manipur. The state government managed around 72,000 refugees from Manipur as the state reeled under ethnic violence. The party also defied a Centre's directive to collect biometric data of refugees from Myanmar citing their ethnic affinity with the Mizo community.
MNF's demand for a separate administration for Kuki-Zo community can also work in its favour as the party has reiterated its stand to the run-up for this year's polls. The cause of Mizo sub-nationalism for which MNF has positioned itself as the leader may help the party fulfil its comeback aim. As the countdown begins for the polls, the MNF leaders have started highlighting the question of Greater Mizoram or the unification of territories inhabited by the Zo people.
Weakening of Congress party in the state, which has held four terms in the office, can work in MNF's advantage. As per ABP News CVoter Opinion Poll, Zoramnthanga's party is projected to secure a range of seats between 13 to 17 while Congress may be limited between 10 to 14.
Rising ZPM, Anti-Incumbency: Threats To MNF
While the prospects seem bright for MNF, it needs to remain cautious of the bouying Zoram Peoples' Movement which has gained influence among the urban base after a sweeping victory at the Lunglei Municipal Council polls bagging all the 11 wards. The ABP News CVoter Opinion Polls also predicts ZPM to win a remarkable seat range between 9 and 13 with a wing of 4 per cent from the previous polls in 2018.
Inflation can be another key issue challenging MNF. While the contribution of Mamipur in the national GDP is just 0.1 per cent, the border state is crucial which has also been regarded important gateway in India’s ‘Act East’ strategy.
Corruption allegations against Chief Minister Zoramthanga and Opposition's criticism of handling the refugee crisis can also hinder MNF from securing a second consecutive term to form the government in the state.
The impasse over border dispute between Mizoram and Assam and increasing influx of drugs in the state are some of the other key issues that could lower MNF's score for victory.
Key Contstituencies
Aizawl East – I: Chief Minister Zoramthanga will be in a direct competition with Congress CM candidate Lalsanglura Ralte.
Tuichang: Mizoram Deputy Chief Minister Tawnluia has been fielded from this seat who currently represents the same constituency in the Legislative Assembly.
Aizawl West-III: The Congress party has fielded its party's state unit chief, Lalswata from here which is currently held by Independent MLA V.L. Zaithanzama.
Aizawl North-III: Congress party's vice-president Lal Thanzara has been given a ticket from this constituency where he will face BJP's Chawnghmingthanga. MNF's C Lalmuanpuia won this seat in 2018 polls.
Dampa: Currently held by MNF'a Lalrintluanga Sailo, the Bharatiya Janata Party has fielded its party's state unit chief Vanlalhmuaka from this constituency.
Mamit: Former Speaker of Mizoram Legislative Assembly who was earlier with MNF but later switched sides with BJP will be contesting from this seat.
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