New alliances ahead of Mizoram elections

: On Saturday, three minor parties in Mizoram -- Peoples’ Representation for Identity and Status of Mizoram (PRISM), Mizoram Chhantu Pawl (MCP) or Save Mizoram Front and Operation Mizoram -- forged a pre-poll alliance with the aim of contesting the assembly polls due later this year.

This is the second such alliance of regional parties in Mizoram, the only state in the northeast under Congress rule. A year ago, the Zoram Nationalist Party, Mizoram Peoples Conference and Zoram Exodus Movement came together to form the Zoram Peoples Movement (ZPM).

Schedule for polls in the northeastern state is yet to be announced and there is speculation that it might be held along with the general elections. Addressing the press at Aizawl on Saturday, Operation Mizoram convenor Vanlalhuma Kawlni said the alliance, if it comes to power, would strive to bring the entire state under the Sixth Schedule to protect the tribal nature of Mizoram, end border disputes with Assam and drive out illegal immigrants.

Though he has been in power since December 2008, Congress leader and CM Lal Thanhawla told party that party would be able to win the assembly polls easily.

While the BJP has been able to expand its footprint in the region , the scene in Mizoram could be different.

“It will be a straight fight between the Congress and our party,” said Zoramthanga, chief of the Mizo National Front, the state’s biggest regional party that had been in power twice.

“The party hasn’t taken any decision yet on Mizoram polls. Our national executive meet is underway and maybe some strategy would be formed,” said Pawan Sharma, BJP in-charge for Mizoram, over phone from Delhi. “...we are planning to contest from 38 of the 40 seats... There’s no possibility of joining hands with the BJP...,” said K Sapdanga, ZPM general secretary. UTPAL PARASHAR

GUWAHATI