Mizoram Elections 2023

After ruling Mizoram for consecutive two terms, the Congress with just five out of 40 seats had then plunged to third position in 2018, behind its arch-rival, Mizo National Front (MNF), which bagged 26 seats

The debutant Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), won eight seats.

Congress positioning itself as a bulwark against the BJP's Hindutva agenda in the Christian-majority state.The Congress's leader in Mizoram, Lalsawta, emphasizes that the fear of the BJP is a key factor in their campaign strategy, and the Manipur crisis serves as a stark example of the BJP's potential impact on the region. Mizoram shares a significant ethnic bond with the Kuki-Zomi community, which has been in conflict with Meiteis in Manipur.

As for the BJP, it is facing a challenging uphill battle in its quest to gain a political foothold in Mizoram, a state where it has only managed to win one MLA seat in 2018. The party is focusing on garnering support from non-Mizo communities, such as the Brus and Chakmas, who have been provided facilities by the central government.

Meanwhile, the Zoram People's Movement (ZPM) is a relatively new political formation in the Indian state of Mizoram, and aims to provide an alternative to the established Congress and MNF. The party's candidate list features a diverse group, including young and celebrity candidates like gospel singer Vanlalsailova, former international footballer Jeje Lalpekhlua. ZPM’s primary plank is to introduce a Minimum Support Price for locally produced items such as ginger, turmeric, chilli, and broomgrass. The ZPM aims to implement this 'new system' through administrative reforms, land reforms, and economic reforms.

Founded in 1961, the MNF has historically positioned itself as a champion of 'Mizo nationalism. Party leader and current CM Zoramthanga, has been a prominent figure in the state's political landscape and has played a crucial role in the politics of Mizoram.

Zoramthanga's government has been known for its efforts to provide shelter to Chin refugees from Myanmar, despite directives from the Central government. He has also extended support to internally displaced Kuki-Zomi people from Manipur, further cementing his position as a leader representing a wider ethnic group.