Illegal immigration, joblessness become poll issues in Mizoram

GUWAHATI: For a state going to the polls on November 25, Mizoram is conspicuously free of the high-decibel campaign seen in the other four states where assembly elections are being held. The absence of the flurry of claims and counter-claims is attributed to the unique code of conduct drawn by the church-backed watchdog Mizoram People's Forum (MPF) that is signed by all political parties.

Ruling Congress is looking to romp back to power in the state for a third consecutive term on the plank of development while the alliance of opposition parties hopes to corner the government over growing unemployment. The alliance, Mizoram Democratic Alliance (MDA), has as its members the Mizo National Front (MNF), Mizoram People's Conference (MPC) and Maraland Democratic Front (MDF). NCP is in fray in three seats while BJP is contesting 11 seats.

About 6.86 lakh voters in the state will choose from among 142 candidates in these polls for the 40-member assembly.

Analysts say Congress, whose vice-president Rahul Gandhi campaigned in the state on Thursday, faces anti-incumbency in the state mainly due to ballooning unemployment. "There are over 50,000 unemployed on live registers," said a person familiar with the matter.

However, the party is trying to hard sell implementation of New Land Use Policy (NLUP), which created livelihood options for farmers. Congress is also taking credit for the continuing peace in the state.

Illegal immigration from Myanmar, Bangladesh and Nepal has also become a poll issue as political parties are trying to rake up the issue of Mizo nationalism. A joint statement issued by MDA said these polls would prove a landmark in the history of Mizoram because of the battle between the devotees of Mizo nationalism and the leaders who want Indianisation of the state.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi said at a recent election rally that the central government was aware of illegal migration into Mizoram and would take steps to tackle the problem. "Suitable steps will be taken to deal with the problems of illegal immigration of foreigners from across the international borders."

In the state dominated by Christianity, Mizoram Chief Minister Pu Lalthanhawla is also facing the ire of opposition parties for sporting a tilak or a red mark on the forehead.