Mizoram Assembly polls: PM Modi criticises Congress for calling tribal traditions of NE as ‘outlandish’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the Congress for not only ignoring the development of the North-East, including Mizoram but also for calling the unique tribal traditions of the North Eastern people as ‘outlandish.’

Notably, PM Modi on Friday addressed a huge public meeting in an election-bound state of Mizoram. He began his address in Mizoram’s Lunglei by mentioning that he has visited the North-East (NE) 27 times during the last 4 years and the rapid pace of development in the NE region was heartening to see.

The Prime Minister further mentioned that in his last visit in Mizoram, he dedicated the Turiyal hydro-electric power plant to the NE and its people. He sharply criticised the Congress for ignoring development of the North-East region and calling the unique tribal traditions of the North Eastern people as ‘outlandish.’

On the occasion, PM Modi also described how Mizoram has a rich heritage of well-preserved culture and traditions with unique dances, local cuisines, clothing and music, all making Mizoram a unique state in India.

Continuing his critical tone against Congress, the PM described how the Congress rule had created the menace of nepotism, division and dynasty politics in the country which further led to the problem of widespread corruption.

He said, “This is the same story for Congress, from Mizoram to Madhya Pradesh and from Chhattisgarh to Rajasthan. This is why the Congress party which once governed most of the Indian states, has now been restricted to only two or three states. Now, the people of Mizoram also have a golden opportunity to rid themselves of this corrupt Congress culture.”

He contrasted this with the comprehensive development brought by the BJP in the North East through policies like ‘Act East and Act Fast for India’s East’ which have brought the North-East region in the centre of world’s attractions in India.

PM Modi further described how the North-East had moved away from the era of guns, violence and blockades to being a harmonious region of India. PM Modi also remembered that on 27th May 2016, Mizoram was first connected to broad gauge railway lines in India.

He also called that day a memorable one and said he still remembers the smile on people’s faces when he started the Silchar-Bhairabi daily passenger express train, which has greatly enhanced the state’s connectivity with other parts of the country and also improved ease of living in India.

The meeting concluded with Prime Minister urging people to vote in large numbers for the BJP so that the ‘double-engine’ of BJP governments in Mizoram and the Centre will give further impetus to Mizoram’s development in the coming times.

Notably, the elections for 209-member Mizoram assembly will be held in the single phase on 28th of this month. The results will be declared on December 11. Of 209, the ruling Congress has fielded 40 candidates while opposition parties in the state, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Mizo National Front (MNF) are contesting 39 and 40 assembly seats respectively. Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla is contesting from two seats – Serchhip and Champhai South.

Also Read: Rajnath Singh: Congress played joke with people of Mizoram