No big rallies or banners can be seen on roads of poll-bound Mizoram (Image: News18)
The Assembly polls are due in Mizoram on November 7, while the results will be announced on December 3
Amid the high-pitched poll campaigns in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana, one can easily forget that Assembly elections are also due in Mizoram, where big rallies, banners, or blocking roads during public gatherings is something that is unheard of.
In this poll-bound northeastern state, one can find some posters and banners, but not of individual candidates. Rather, these posters are put up by political parties displaying photos of all candidates fielded by the party in one place.
In Mizoram, political parties are opting out of huge public gatherings and instead, candidates, along with one or two supporters, are going door to door for campaigning. Leaders were also seen keeping their distance from the media, preferring to take their promises directly to the public.
As per locals, Mizo people are aware of their issues and don’t like listening to public addresses. Some of the voters openly said that they analyse the activities of various political parties before deciding their representatives.
The term of the 40-member legislative assembly in Mizoram is set to end on December 17 this year. The Assembly polls are due in Mizoram on November 7, while the results will be announced on December 3.
Four political parties, including two regional ones–Mizo Peoples’ Forum (MPF) and Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), along with BJP and Congress are in main competition in the state.
Among them, the initial reports suggest that ZPM and MNF hold stronger ground among locals. However, with polling still days away, voters, especially the young college going brigade, are keenly observing every political movement.
As per students of Mizoram University, focus on rising unemployment and betterment of education system, along with overall development of the state, are some of the most important political issues for them.
“I personally like to vote the party who will work for empowerment of tourism, proper utilisation of our resources. To implement innovations in tourism sector, Secondly, there is job scarcity in Mizoram,” said a student.
“This year’s the most of the proposals of ZPM, like betterment of education, party’s vision on educational issues are good,” said another.
While the political fervour in mainland Mizoram are subdued, the scene is quite different in Kolasib district, that borders Assam. Kolasib is dominated by non-Mizo population, and one can find some political festivities in full swing area.
(With inputs from News18 senior reporter Biju Kr. Deka)
