Mizoram Assembly Elections 2023: Don't vote for those who harm culture, religion, tradition, says Rahul

Lok Sabha MP Rahul Gandhi visited Mizoram for two days to campaign for his party

In the run-up to the Mizoram Assembly polls, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, on October 17, said that the people of the state should not vote for those who would harm their culture, religion and tradition.

Gandhi who was addressing a rally in Lunglei alleged that BJP and RSS are seeking support from regional parties – Mizo National Front (MNF) and Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) – to promote their ideas in the northeastern state.

“Both BJP and RSS want their ideas to enter Mizoram, and they are aware that they would be rejected in seconds if they came directly. They need partners in the state, and that is what MNF and ZPM are doing. These two regional outfits will enable BJP to infiltrate Mizoram with their ideology,” said Rahul.

When voting, the people of Mizoram should keep in mind that they are not aiding those who intend to harm their culture, religion and tradition, said the Lok Sabha MP.

“The ideological battle is between the Congress and the RSS. They want a centralised India, which runs from Delhi and is fully controlled by Narendra Modi. We desire an India that is governed by the people of India,” added Rahul.

He alleged that the incumbent MNF government’s record is marred by rampant unemployment and a failure to control the drug menace, which resulted in the loss of 250 young lives in five years.

Taking a dig at BJP, the Congress leader remarked that hundreds of people have died in Manipur, countless women have been molested, children have been affected, and properties have been burnt, yet the Prime Minister never visited the state.

He also accused the Centre of mishandling healthcare, where it failed to release funds belonging to the people of Mizoram.

Congress’ plan for Mizoram

“From our perspective, it is important that we present a vision for Mizoram, and the Congress party has a track record to demonstrate. We have shown it in the past by establishing Lengpui Airport in 1995, Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in 2010, Mizoram State Cancer Institute, Zoram Medical College, and the New Land Use Policy (NLUP) in 2011,” said Rahul.

Praising governance in Congress-ruled states such as Rajasthan, Karnataka and Chhattisgarh, Rahul said that his party has introduced best practices and facilities for the welfare of the people. Rajasthan boasts one of the best healthcare systems in the country where the poorest individuals have access to Rs 25 lakh for the treatment of any disease.

“In Karnataka, we have implemented the best social security system. We provide a financial assistance of Rs 2,000 to women along with the facility of free bus travel. The money is directly credited to the accounts of farmers,” said Gandhi.

The Congress party aims to propose the same vision for Mizoram, which has been severely affected by unemployment.

“We propose economic empowerment for our entrepreneurs in the state, direct support for small businesses, financial support, and technological support. We will reduce the price of LPG cylinders to Rs 750, and provide an age-old pension of Rs 2,000 per month to senior citizens,” said Rahul Gandhi.

The former Congress president also recalled his visit to Mizoram in 1986 when, according to him, the state was transitioning from violence to peace and harmony.

“Progress is always built on peace, and we believe that every state has its own culture and tradition. Moreover, these are the foundations of India. We are interested in an India where people are not afraid to practice their faith and traditions,” said Rahul.