Rahul Gandhi, a Member of Parliament from Wayanad and a prominent figure in the Indian National Congress, made a two-day visit to the northeastern state of Mizoram. His visit to Mizoram was part of the election campaign to support the party’s candidates in the run-up to the state’s Assembly elections scheduled for November 7.
During his visit, Rahul Gandhi not only engaged with party leaders and addressed press conferences but also made headlines for a unique and unconventional mode of transport. He was spotted riding pillion on a two-wheeler taxi in the state capital, Aizawl, attracting considerable attention.
Gandhi’s visit began with a padayatra, a foot march, where he was warmly greeted by large crowds of enthusiastic supporters. At the culmination of the padayatra, he delivered a spirited address at a rally. The two-day visit included interactions with party leaders and a press conference in Aizawl. On the second day of his visit, he addressed another rally in Lunglei town, situated in the southern part of the state.
During his visit, Rahul Gandhi made some noteworthy political statements. He claimed that the opposition INDIA alliance represented a substantial 60% of the country’s population, surpassing the BJP’s share. In a jibe at the BJP, he questioned the roles of prominent political figures’ children, including Amit Shah’s son, in dynastic politics. He pointed out that figures such as Anurag Thakur, who are affiliated with the BJP, are themselves dynastic in nature.
Rahul Gandhi also emphasized the significance of regional politics, particularly in states like Mizoram. He argued that both major parties in the state, the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) and the opposition Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), served as instruments for the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to establish a foothold in the Christian-majority state.
Addressing the crowd at a rally, he expressed confidence in the Congress’s prospects in various state assembly elections, including Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Mizoram.
On the issue of ethnic violence in Manipur, Rahul Gandhi attributed the tensions to the BJP and called for a resolution to the hatred sowed by the party. He stressed the importance of building bridges between different communities and fostering harmony.
Gandhi also criticized the ruling MNF government in Mizoram, highlighting its alleged failures in addressing issues such as drug-related concerns, unemployment, and infrastructure development.
In an attempt to connect with the people on a more personal level, Rahul Gandhi took a humorous jab at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Mann ki Baat” program. He stated that he was more interested in listening to the “Mann ki Baat” of the people rather than sharing his own.
Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Mizoram showcased the Congress’s commitment to the upcoming Assembly elections and its determination to engage with voters at the grassroots level. The state holds a significant place in the northeastern political landscape, and the party’s campaign efforts are aimed at addressing the concerns and aspirations of the people in the region.
