'No Time To Experiment With BJP Proxies': Sonia Gandhi Urges Mizoram To Vote For 'Peace'

Taking potshots at the saffron party, the Congress leader accused the BJP of trying to “weaken the rights of tribals” and said they value “neither diversity, nor democracy, nor dialogue”.

New Delhi: Chairperson of Congress Parliamentary Party Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday appealed to the people of poll-bound Mizoram to elect her party in the upcoming assembly elections on November 7. In a video message, posted by the Congress on X, Gandhi said this is not a time for experiments and that the people of Mizoram should vote for peace, progress and prosperity.

In the three-minute video clip, Sonia Gandhi recalled her personal bond with the people of the northeast state and spoke about the time when she would visit Mizoram with her husband and former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.

“You all know I am sure that Mizoram occupies a very special place in my heart. I visited many times over the years. Your customs and culture, the beauty and richness of your land have left a deep impression on me. Above all I have never forgotten your warmth and affection. I remember with great fondness particularly the visit with my family right after the signing of the historic Mizo Peace Accord on June 30, 1986. The Accord is celebrated every year as Remna Ni,” she said.

Launching a scathing attack on the BJP and RSS, the Congress veteran claimed democracy is “under threat” across the country.

Speaking about the ethnic clashes that erupted in Manipur earlier this year, she said, “In Manipur, the BJP has divided society bitterly. Six months of suffering have gone by, but there is no effort towards peace and reconciliation. The prime minister is completely silent and has not seen it fit to visit Manipur for even a few hours.”

Taking further potshots at the saffron party, the Congress leader accused the BJP of trying to “weaken the rights of tribals” and said they value “neither diversity, nor democracy, nor dialogue”.

Gandhi further said although the MNF and ZPM claim they are independent, they are “gateways for the BJP into Mizoram”.

“Our track record in government shows that we deliver on our guarantees - as you have seen in Karnataka, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Himachal. But most of all, we stand for the protection of the Mizo way of life as enshrined in Article 371-G of the Constitution of India, which is the legacy of Rajiv Gandhi,” Sonia Gandhi said, adding, “That is why I make a personal appeal, especially to the youth of Mizoram, to the women of Mizoram. This is no time for experiments. Please do vote for the Congress party, the hand of experience and the hand of security.”