Opposition to my nomination influenced by political parties: Congress candidate in Mizoram

Congress candidate for Mizoram Assembly elections, Miriam L Hrangchal, who was opposed by a local students’ union for marrying a person from outside the Mizo community

Congress candidate for Mizoram Assembly elections, Miriam L Hrangchal, who was opposed by a local students' union for marrying a person from outside the Mizo community, has claimed that the resistance was "influenced" by her opponent political parties.

In an interview with PTI, Ms. Hrangchal who is contesting from the Lunglei South constituency termed the students' organisation Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP) as a "pressure group" and asserted that people in her constituency are not concerned about her personal choice or family issues.

Ms. Hrangchal married local resident Dipen Zoliana, who belonged to the Gorkha community but has adopted Christianity and Mizo identity.

"Some political parties supported them (MZP) and there was political influence to oppose my candidature. They are a pressure group. There will be pressure groups and NGOs who will express their opinion, but that does not necessarily mean they will change things politically," Ms. Hrangchal who is contesting elections for the first time said.

Such groups spoke about her personal choice and family life, but people are wise enough to know who loves this land and who will work for them, the Congress candidate said. On October 20, supporters of MZP held a demonstration in Aizawl, protesting against the Congress for fielding Ms. Hrangchal in the Lunglei South constituency as she is a Mizo woman who married a person from outside the community.

"In my constituency, there is no problem and people have hopes on me. I am not concerned about it [MZP's protest] as I am in the middle of my campaigning. I think they need to be educated regarding what is their jurisdiction," she said.

Ms. Hrangchal said MZP is a student group and they should focus on issues related to the community like lack of textbooks till now while examinations are nearing.