Cong accuses BJP of manipulating regional parties in NE

In a recent statement: Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of employing a strategy to harness regional parties in India’s northeastern region to secure political power. He highlighted that this tactic had been used in Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Manipur, and now, it appears to be in play in Mizoram.
Ramesh went as far as branding the BJP a “ghost party” and suggested that it exerts a significant influence over the two main political entities in Mizoram, the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) and the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF). He emphasized that these parties effectively serve as gateways for the BJP to enter Mizoram’s political landscape.
He further asserted that the MNF and the BJP are closely aligned, describing them as “two sides of the same coin.” Additionally, Ramesh was critical of the ZPM, characterizing it as a party lacking a clear program, organization, and ideology.
With the upcoming assembly elections in Mizoram scheduled for November 7, Ramesh stressed the significance of the electoral contest and cautioned against experimentation in the state’s politics. He argued that the BJP’s modus operandi is to divide society based on factors such as religion, ethnicity, language, and culture.
He claimed that the MNF and ZPM are essentially remote-controlled by the BJP and that a vote for either of these parties equates to support for the BJP, characterizing them as “back door entry points to Mizoram” for the national party.
Ramesh also pointed out the alleged failures of the MNF government, particularly the delay in receiving legitimate grants of approximately Rs 3500 crore from the Centre over the last three years, despite the MNF being part of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). This delay, he claimed, has resulted in budget cuts for agriculture, education, and health in the state.
The Congress leader further criticized the Socio-Economic Development Policy (SEDP) launched by the MNF government, labeling it as “State Empty Development Promises.”
Ramesh also made note of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP), emphasizing that it was initiated during the tenure of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and asserting that the current Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, was attempting to claim undue credit for the project. The KMTTP project aims to enhance accessibility and connectivity to Mizoram by developing the Sittwe Port in Myanmar with Indian government funding.
The Congress leader concluded by raising concerns about Article 371-G of the Indian Constitution, which provides special status to northeastern states, including Mizoram, and safeguards their tribal heritage. He suggested that this provision could be at risk given the BJP’s political approach.
In terms of election guarantees, Ramesh asserted that the Congress party is committed to providing support for agriculture and horticulture development in Mizoram, and highlighted past efforts to promote the cultivation of ginger, passion fruit, oranges, anthurium, and grapes. He also promised free healthcare coverage of up to 15 lakhs of rupees for every citizen of Mizoram and gas cylinders at a rate of Rs 750.
Ramesh underscored the Congress party’s track record in implementing guarantees in other states and advocated for change in Mizoram to preserve and protect the state’s traditions, customs, and culture.