Aizawl: The Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee kicked off its poll campaign through an event held at Vanapa Hall on Thursday. Mizoram Congress President Lal Thanzara delivered a fervent speech underlining the critical nature of the upcoming Lok Sabha election, particularly for Mizo Christians.
Thanzara asserted that the safety and security of minority tribes and religions were at stake under the rule of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
In his impassioned address, Thanzara emphasised the unprecedented significance of the forthcoming election, characterizing it as a pivotal moment for safeguarding the rights and interests of Mizo Christians.
He accused the BJP government of jeopardising the fundamental principles of religious freedom, citing instances such as the scheduling of government activities on religious holidays like Good Friday and Easter Sunday in Manipur.
Highlighting alleged attempts to erode religious freedoms and undermine indigenous rights, Thanzara condemned the imposition of income tax on Mizoram Synod, an act he described as unprecedented and unjust. Drawing parallels with international reactions to recent events in India, Thanzara pointed to statements from countries like the USA and Germany regarding Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest, suggesting growing concern over perceived infringements on democratic principles.
In a scathing indictment of rival parties, Thanzara accused the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) and Mizo National Front (MNF) of vying for alignment with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Amidst these grave concerns, Thanzara sought to reassure constituents by highlighting the Congress party’s track record of developmental initiatives, including the Hydel Project, Medical College, Airport, and the introduction of a new land use policy scheme. He reiterated the party’s commitment to progress while remaining steadfast in its defense of Mizo interests and values.
Echoing Thanzara’s sentiments, Congress Party MP Candidate Lalbiakzama cautioned against the purported agenda of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and BJP to establish a Hindutva-centric nation, marginalizing non-Hindu communities. Lalbiakzama sounded the alarm on alleged threats posed by the Forest Conservation Act and accused the BJP government of encroaching on indigenous lands.
Pledging to uphold environmental conservation and resist detrimental policies, Lalbiakzama vowed to prioritize the welfare of Mizoram, irrespective of the political landscape at the center. He reaffirmed his commitment to stand against any initiatives that could compromise the state’s interests or natural resources.
Also Read | Mizoram: MNF accuses ZPM-led Government of favouritism