Northeast Desk, 31st October: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to take an active role in campaigning for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Mizoram ahead of the upcoming assembly elections scheduled for November 7. This move is part of the BJP’s efforts to increase its presence in the state, where it currently holds just one seat.
Rajnath Singh is scheduled to visit Mizoram on November 1 and will address public meetings in Mamit and Siaha. Speaker of the outgoing assembly, Lalrinliana Sailo, and former excise minister Dr. K Beichhua, who recently switched from the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) to the BJP, are contesting on BJP tickets from these constituencies.
The BJP is focusing on garnering support from linguistic minorities, including the Chakma, Bru, Mara, and Lai communities, primarily residing in the southern part of the state. In the 2018 assembly polls, the BJP won the Chakma-dominated Tuichawng constituency.
Despite a change in plans that canceled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s campaign visit to Mizoram, the BJP remains committed to its electoral strategy in the state. BJP President JP Nadda released the party’s manifesto last week, outlining key initiatives, including 33% reservation for women in government jobs and a solution to the long-standing border dispute with Assam.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju are actively participating in the election campaign, underscoring the party’s dedication to winning over voters in Mizoram.
Read more: Assam: Ex-Army jawan turned ULFA (I) Accuses Army of Misusing Youth