ZPM MAY DENT CONG, MNF, BJP POLL PROSPECTS

GUWAHATI : The ruling Congress and Mizo National Front (MNF) have been Mizoram’s dominant political parties since the state’s formation in 1987. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is hoping to emerge as a key player in the state even as none of its 17 candidates could win the state polls in 2013. Its vote share was just 0.37%. Six small regional parties have come together under Zoram Peoples Movement (ZPM) banner to contest November 28 polls.

ZPM is hoping to provide an alternative to the Congress and MNF as well as nix the BJP’s attempt to extend its influence to the Christian-majority state.

ZPM, formed last year, has fielded 39 candidates. It could play a key role in the government formation if the Congress and MNF fail to cross the 20-seat mark in the 40-member assembly.

“The Congress is facing infighting and anti-incumbency and MNF has failed to deliver in the past. Despite the hype, the BJP has no chance of winning even a single seat as the people do not like its fundamentalist ideas,” said ZPM general secretary K Sapdanga. “Voters are tired of tested parties and are interested in new faces...,” the journalistturned-politician added.

Mizoram has never had a hung assembly in the last seven elections held since the state’s formation. Many believe the trend could change as both Congress and MNF may be unable to get a majority on their own. As many as five Congress lawmakers, including home minister R Lalzirliana, have defected to the MNF. The MNF is facing a leadership crisis with many in the party questioning its chief Zoramthanga’s style of functioning. The party’s inclusion in North East Democratic Alliance, the BJP-led anti-Congress group, could also go against it in the state.