In a landslide victory, Mizoram’s electorate has propelled Lalduhoma’s Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) to secure 27 of the 40 seats in the state assembly. Unlike previous elections in Mizoram, this was not a bi-polar contest, breaking the historical dominance of Congress and Mizo National Front (MNF) in forming governments.
The Mizo electorate saw ZPM as a viable alternative, leading to its emphatic triumph, relegating MNF to ten seats, BJP to two, and Congress to just one. Remarkably, out of the twelve ministers in the outgoing MNF government, ten, including CM Zoramthanga, have suffered defeat. ZPM has secured victories in all eleven constituencies of the capital Aizawl.
The heightened popularity of ZPM in both urban and rural areas stems from its commitment to “a new system” aimed at addressing the numerous shortcomings of past governments. This is particularly evident in its approach to the cash distribution policy for economic development and the promise of a corruption-free government. The positioning of ZPM as the sole party capable of breaking the existing mold and formulating innovative policies for the socio-economic development of the state contrasts with the portrayal of Congress and MNF as entrenched interests.
The yearning for change among the Mizo electorate is evident in their support for a newly created party that lacked organized primary membership until last year. The ZPM victory was driven by multiple factors, including a strong anti-incumbency wave against the MNF government. The early announcement of candidates by ZPM in July provided ample time for house-to-house campaigning, and well-prepared workers and candidates ensured the party could win over swing voters. Notably, nine newly elected members had contested assembly polls for the first time.
The debut of ZPM in 2018, still a loose coalition of regional parties at that time, secured 8 seats. The stunning victory of ZPM this time is noteworthy because Mizoram follows a peculiar tradition where governments tend to change after two terms.
The incumbent MNF was relying on the continuation of this trend, yet it faced criticism from both opponents and neutral voters. The discontent stemmed from unmet promises and the economic challenges plaguing the state. Among these unfulfilled promises is the commitment to provide every recipient of the state’s Social and Economic Development Programme (SEDP) with a total of three lakh.
The MNF, self-identifying as the guardian of Mizo nationalism, genuinely believes in the concept of Mizo transcending state and national boundaries. Welcoming refugees from Myanmar fleeing the military coup and seeking safety in Mizoram, against the directions of New Delhi, is a testament to this belief. Furthermore, MNF’s significant support for fellow Zo-ethnic brethren from Manipur throughout the ongoing ethnic conflict showcases their commitment.
Essentially, MNF aimed to leverage Mizo nationalist sentiments to garner support in this election. However, internal issues such as lack of development, corruption, nepotism, and the alcohol problem – with many accusing the MNF government of poorly implementing the Prohibition Act, leading to an increase in substance abuse – undid the party’s campaign.
The Congress, in the meantime, attempted a comeback by advocating its Tang Puihna (helping those who are willing to perform) platform. Rahul Gandhi’s visit to the state on October 16 drew significant attention when he declared this election was a “do-or-die” situation. The party hoped that this pitch would resonate with the apprehensions of the Mizo-Christian community, expressing concerns about the potential threat to its religious and cultural identity. However, The ZPM’s pitch of Kalphung Thar: Mipui Sawrkar (a new system and people’s government) ultimately won the day.
In Mizoram, the BJP has struggled to make a significant impact, making it the only state in the North East where the party hasn’t gained much traction. Despite more than ten Union ministers campaigning, primarily in the Autonomous District Council (ADC) areas and western Mizoram, where ethnic minorities like Maras, Brus, and Chakmas dominate, the party’s performance has been uneven. While the promise of direct funds to ADCs has garnered some support, extending this appeal beyond ADC areas remains a challenge due to the Mizo electorate’s negative perceptions about the Hindutva ideology.
The Church maintains a profound influence in Mizo life, evident in the recent outcry that prompted the shift of vote counting day from last Sunday to yesterday. However, the crucial question remains: Can ZPM effectively address the state’s financial challenges and fulfill the aspirations of the Mizo people?
(The writer can be reached at dipaknewslive@gmail.com)
