BJP likely to back MNF-MPC combine

AIZAWL, August 23: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is likely to support the Mizo National Front (MNF)-Mizo People's Conference (MPC) combined joint candidate for the Lok Sabha elections in the state. The party's state president, Harry Vanchhawng, said his party might support the MNF-MPC consensus candidate for the lone Lok Sabha seat, if required, to thwart any attempt by the Congress to come to power at the Centre. He said though a final decision remained with the party central leadership, the state unit was ready to support all forces fighting against the Congress. Vanchhawng said a final decision was expected by the month-end. Mizoram's case was discussed on August 3 in New Delhi between the party high command and representatives of the state unit. While the state BJP was still gauging the political atmosphere here, Vanchhawng admitted that being a small outfit in Mizoram his party stood little chances of winning the Lok Sabha seat. "Hence the decision to support the MNF-MPC candidate," he added. He said his party's main function in Mizoram was to topple all efforts made by the Congress to win the Lok Sabha seat. Formal talks between the MNF and the BJP had begun after the May 22 visit of Prime Minister A B Vajpayee to the state.