Aizawl: The Mizo National Youth Front (MNYF) and the Mizoram Pradesh Youth Congress Committee (MPYCC) have jointly called for an apology from state home minister K Sapdanga following controversial remarks he allegedly made against residents of Edenthar Basic Services to the Urban Poor (BSUP), a locality within his Aizawl North III constituency.

The demand comes after a screenshot of a message purportedly sent by Sapdanga to a WhatsApp group for Edenthar ZPM members went viral on social media over the weekend.

Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!

In the message, the Mizoram home minister commented on the upcoming Aizawl Municipal Corporation (AMC) Ward-VI by-election, noting that candidates Dr Thangtea (Dr R Lalthangliana) of the Mizo National Front (MNF) and Chuaungova (Lalnunmawia Chuaungo) of the Congress had frequently visited the BSUP area during their campaigns.

In the message, Sapdanga allegedly warned party members to inform the residents on the final day of the campaign: “We are going to know where you cast your vote, and we will watch who deserves to continue occupying the BSUP.”

He also questioned whether the residents preferred to remain under the ruling party or the opposition.

Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!

The MNYF and MPYCC, in a joint statement, condemned the Mizoram home minister’s remarks as condescending and intimidating, arguing that they violate the Model Code of Conduct and the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

They stated that the message was an attempt to intimidate the residents of Edenthar BSUP ahead of the election.

The statement also noted that the BSUP was established in four Aizawl localities—Edenthar, Rangvamual, Lawipu, and Durtlang—during the Congress government’s tenure, with deserving individuals being allotted residences.

This practice was continued under the MNF government in Mizoram.

The youth groups stressed that such intimidation tactics had never been employed before an election and accused Sapdanga of showing disrespect towards the voters in his constituency and in AMC Ward-VI.

The by-election for AMC Ward-VI is scheduled to take place on August 22, 2024.

The ZPM and the BJP have each fielded a candidate, while the MNF and Congress have chosen to support a common candidate.