AIZAWL: Mizoram’s political scene is witnessing an unusual show of unity as both the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) and the main opposition Congress have joined hands in opposing the scheduled date of vote counting for the upcoming Assembly polls. Their concern? The chosen date, December 3, coincides with Sunday, a day of worship for Christians in the state.
In a rare display of bipartisan agreement, both parties have written separate letters to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar, urging a change in the date of counting, citing the cultural and religious significance of Sunday in Mizoram.
State Congress chief Lalsawta, in his letter, highlighted the sacred nature of Sundays in Mizoram, highlighting that the day is reserved exclusively for the worship of God.
“No official programmes or business are transacted on Sunday in Mizoram. We know that not only the Congress party but also the entire Christian community in Mizoram would not like the counting of votes to be held on Sunday. I, therefore, request you to respect the sentiments of the Mizo people and fix the date for counting votes, preferably between Monday to Friday,” read the letter.
MNF General Secretary TC Kaphmingthanga echoed this sentiment in his letter to the CEC, urging a change in the date of vote counting.
The religious community has also weighed in on the matter. Reverend Dr C Chawnghmingliana, Synod Moderator and Chairman of Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitu Committee (MKHC), the largest conglomerate of churches in the state, expressed disappointment, saying, “We feel that this is discrimination against the Christian community. Moreover, December 3 is not just a normal Sunday for Christians in India, it is a date reserved for ‘Bible Sunday’. We hope that EC will shift the counting day.”
The Chief Election Commissioner announced the election schedule for the 40-member Mizoram Assembly, along with Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Telangana Assemblies on Monday.
