Aizawl, Nov 15: Campaigning for the fifth assembly polls in Mizoram, hitherto a laid back affair, is gradually picking up with the election day just five days away. Campaigning has been at its lowest ebb despite campaigns by a host of national leaders. However, with the election day approaching the scene is hotting up with rallies and election rock concerts, a unique feature in this north eastern state used to draw crowds, becoming more and more frequent. There are only two issues - inclusion of BRU refugees in the voters' list and lack of development, which have remained confined mostly to the newspapers. "There is no worthwhile issue this time and nothing to project as such, which is possibly why the most dull campaigning so far," says Lalthantluamga a resident of this Hill Town.

The laid back electioneering, according to the 72-year-old, is a reflection of the laid back lifestyle of the people of this north eastern state, he feels.

Besides there are no issues like those which hot up the election scenario in states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, he added.
The political parties, however, stress another issue - that of reunification of Mizos living in other states and even in the neighbouring countries.

The parties supporting the issue are Mizoram peoples council, which has teamed up with Zoram National Party and even national parties like the Congress and Janata Dal (United). This has lent a different colour to the polls this time, the political parties felt.

Bureau Report