Mizoram: Rahul Gandhi Launches Campaign, Raises Concerns for Minority Groups

MIZORAM: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi embarked on a three-day visit to Mizoram to kickstart the party's campaign for the upcoming Assembly polls scheduled for November 7. On October 17, he made an unconventional entrance by riding pillion on a two-wheeler to the residence of former Mizoram CM Lal Thanhawla.

Rahul Gandhi arrived in Mizoram on October 16 and initiated his visit with a padayatra to Raj Bhawan. Following the padayatra, he addressed a rally near the governor's house, delivering a fervent speech criticizing the ruling BJP.

The Congress leader voiced concerns about the government's apparent neglect of issues faced by minority groups and the tribal communities in the country. He accused the government of prioritizing appeasement politics over addressing these problems. Rahul Gandhi expressed his disappointment that the situation in Manipur, plagued by violence, has received inadequate attention, and noted the absence of a visit by the union's leader. He stressed that similar issues are manifesting on a smaller scale in various other parts of the country, causing discomfort among minority groups, tribals, and dalits.

He concluded by asserting that there is an ongoing oppression in India and that the very idea of India is under threat. Meanwhile, the Congress party on Monday released a list of 39 candidates for the upcoming Mizoram Assembly elections. Congress has fielded Lalsanglura Ralte from the Aizwal East-I constituency, currently held by Mizo National Front (MNF) president and Chief Minister Zoramthanga. While Mizoram Congress Committee Chief Lalsawta has been fielded from Aizawl West-III (ST), Lalnunmawia Chuaungo has been given the party ticket from Aizawl North-I (ST).

Moreover, Lalrindika Ralte will contest from Hachhek (ST), Lalhmingthanga Sailo from Dampa (ST) and Lalrinmawia from Aizawl North-II. The announcement came at a time when Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is on a two-day visit to the poll-bound state to campaign for party candidates. In a 40-member Mizoram assembly, Mizo National Front bagged 26 seats with a vote share of 37.8 per cent to emerge victorious in the 2018 polls.

Congress secured five seats and BJP won one seat. Polls will be held in Mizoram on November 7, Chhattisgarh on November 7 and November 17, Madhya Pradesh on November 17, Rajasthan on November 25 and Telangana on November 30. The counting of votes will take place on December 3 in all the states. Of the five states, polling in Chhattisgarh will be held in two phases.

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