In Chattisgarh, it’s Congress vs. BJP, a triangle conflict in Mizoram; litmus test for BJP

Voting has begun in Mizoram and in Chhattisgarh across 20 seats, opening the path for what many believe as an important run-up to the Lok Sabha elections in 2024.

Mizoram and Chhattisgarh polls for the month-long assembly elections were taken on Tuesday, November 7. The first round of voting in Chhattisgarh will decide the results of 223 candidates—25 of whom are women—for 20 seats. Mizoram is now conducting a single round of voting for its 40-member assembly.

Chhattisgarh will have its second round of voting on November 17, while Telangana and Rajasthan will hold single-phase elections on November 25 and November 30, respectively. Every state will tally the votes on December 3.

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The results of these assembly elections will undoubtedly impact tactics for the next Lok Sabha elections in 2024. These elections are considered as a litmus test for the BJP at the Center, the recently established opposition INDIA coalition, and regional parties in the race.

1. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the ruling Congress are the primary rivals in Chhattisgarh. In the state, the Congress is running for a second term in office in a row, but the government is under fire because of recent accusations of corruption against Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and the Mahadev Book App. The BJP wants to take advantage of the controversy and make things worse for the Congress.
2. With the Mizo National Front (MNF), Zoram Peoples’ Movement (ZPM), and Congress as the main candidates, Mizoram, on the other hand, finds a more varied political scene. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has candidates in four seats in Mizoram, while the BJP is running for 23 seats as well.
3. Prominent contenders in the Chhattisgarh election are Congress state unit head and MP Deepak Baij, and former chief minister and BJP leader Dr. Raman Singh. In Mizoram, the MNF leader and current chairman Minister Zoramthanga, ZPM founder Lalduhoma, and state Congress chairman Lalsawta are among the leading candidates.
4.  In addition to performing a caste census, the Congress has promised Chhattisgarh voters loan refunds, a Rs 500 gas cylinder subsidy, and free education for youngsters from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. In contrast, the BJP has attacked the Congress government in power, citing allegations of corruption and rising paddy prices.
5. Strong security measures have been implemented to guarantee a peaceful voting process. In the Naxal-affected Bastar division of Chhattisgarh, more than 600 polling places have been established alongside more than 60,000 troops. To guarantee that the roughly 8.57 lakh voters in Mizoram had a safe and secure voting experience, polling places opened at 7 AM and implemented strict security measures.