Mizoram Chief Minister Refuses to Share Stage with PM Modi During Election Campaign

Mizoram's Chief Minister, Zoramthanga, made a significant announcement on Monday, revealing his decision not to share the stage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the upcoming Assembly election campaign. This decision comes as Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to visit Mamit town in Mizoram on October 30 to support BJP candidates in the state's western region.

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Mizoram's Chief Minister, Zoramthanga, made a significant announcement on Monday, revealing his decision not to share the stage with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the upcoming Assembly election campaign. This decision comes as Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to visit Mamit town in Mizoram on October 30 to support BJP candidates in the state's western region.

Zoramthanga expressed his reservations about associating with the BJP, citing the recent violence in Manipur and the burning of hundreds of churches by members of the Meitie community. He emphasized that the people of Mizoram, who are predominantly Christians, strongly opposed such actions in Manipur. Consequently, he believes that aligning with the BJP at this time would be detrimental to his party, the Mizo National Front (MNF).

In an interview with BBC News, Zoramthanga stated, "It will be better if the prime minister comes along and he shares the platform by himself, and I take the stage separately by myself."

While the MNF is a part of the BJP-led North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) and an ally of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the national level, it does not cooperate with the BJP within Mizoram.

Zoramthanga clarified that the MNF joined the NDA and NEDA due to its strong opposition to the Congress party and its desire to avoid participating in any alliance led by the Congress.

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Regarding providing shelter to people from neighboring countries and Manipur, the Chief Minister highlighted that the state government is following the central government's approach by offering food and shelter to these individuals on humanitarian grounds. He drew a historical parallel, mentioning how the Indian government had supported refugees from East Pakistan and even armed them to attain independence. In contrast, Mizoram is not arming refugees from Myanmar but is providing them with essential support out of humanitarian considerations.

Mizoram has witnessed an influx of over 40,000 people from Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Manipur who have sought refuge in the state. Zoramthanga emphasized that it is the central government's responsibility to restore peace in Manipur so that the affected individuals can return to their respective homes. Mizoram is currently facing sporadic ethnic violence that began in May this year.

The upcoming Assembly election in Mizoram is scheduled for November 7, with results to be declared on December 3.