In poll-bound Mizoram, days after taking an anti-BJP stand, the Church has denied any involvement in the electoral process. Claiming that it is an apolitical body, the Church has clarified that it has not tried to influence voters.
The Church had earlier reportedly urged the congregation to abstain from voting for the BJP. The Church has issued a guidelines booklet asking the voters to keep the interests of the community in mind while casting their vote.
Earlier, the Nagaland Church had also taken a similar stand before Nagaland elections earlier this year. The Mizoram Church has questioned BJP’s decision of observing Christmas Day as the Good Governance Day. The Church feels that if BJP is voted to power the religious freedom will be under threat and the interests of Christians will be ignored.
The Church has now clarified that it does not interfere in the election process and it is only the people of the state who choose the government.
Meanwhile, Church-backed NGOs are on the campaign trail to ‘ensure‘ fair elections. Mizoram People’s Forum, a Church-backed local election ‘watchdog’ has taken upon itself to supervise the election campaign and ensure that money power does not come to play in the elections.
Mizoram goes to elections tomorrow, 28th November, along with Madhya Pradesh and as many as 209 candidates are in the fray for the 40-seat Assembly. Mizoram is the only Northeastern state that still has a Congress government. The result for the elections will be declared on 11th December.