A Church Organisation and a Political Party Oppose the New Governor of Mizoram

After appointing Kerala BJP chief Kummanam Rajasekharan as the governor of Mizoram, the BJP president Amit Shah has revealed how he attempts to create a Congress-Mukt Northeast – if the attempt in Karnataka was an indicator. At the Northeast Democratic Alliance (NEDA) conclave in Guwahati, Amit Shah had stated that after the Mizoram polls, there would not be any Congress government in the region. Apart from Rajasekharan's appointment, President Kovind also appointed another BJP politician, Ganeshi Lal as the governor of Odisha. Political observers watching Kerala see Rajasekharan's appointment as clearing the ground for the BJP in the state. Rajasekharan had allegedly failed to pull together an alliance and prevent factionalism. However, the reaction in Mizoram is worth noting.

Rajasekharan's appointment has been opposed by two organisations. The People's Representation for Identity and Status of Mizoram (PRISM) and the Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) both issued strongly worded statements against his appointment for being an 'active politician' and a 'radical Hindu'. PRISM began as an anti-corruption organisation and has repeatedly demanded a Lokayukta for Mizoram apart from exposing disproportionate assets held by politicians in the state. In November last year, the organisation officially became a political party and declared that they would contest the upcoming polls this year.

PRISM has opposed the appointment primarily on the grounds of Rajasekharan's recent political past. This is accentuated as the state is set to go to the polls this year, and the party feels – not unfairly – that his appointment could have a bearing on the poll outcomes if not the government formation. The GCIC, on the other hand, appealed to the President to replace Rajasekharan with a “sober and fair-minded person”. The council further alleged that his past record of being involved with various Hindutva outfits would affect Mizoram's peaceful atmosphere where the majority are Christians.

It is however unlikely that Rajasekharan's appointment would improve the BJP's chances in the deeply religious Christian-majority state. However, the BJP may seek to ally with the Mizo National Front (MNF), the main opposition in Mizoram. The MNF, on their part too, would be wary, particularly if the church organisations oppose the BJP. PRISM, however, has made their stand clear well before the polls, whether this will translate into votes is yet to be seen. With Rajasekharan's appointment and the corresponding controversy, the stage is being readied for the polls in December.