Jitendra Singh Says Mizoram Requires a ‘Double-Engine’ Government for Development

Union Minister Jitendra Singh emphasized on October 29 that Mizoram requires a “double-engine government”, where the same political party is in power both at the Centre and the state, to ensure faster development and efficient implementation of welfare schemes. Speaking at a BJP press conference in Aizawl, Singh explained that when a state government is not aligned with the ruling party at the Centre, citizens often face delays or exclusion from central schemes and development initiatives. He asserted that Mizoram needs BJP representation to accelerate development in the state.

Singh, who is the Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, pointed out that BJP-ruled states have consistently outperformed non-BJP states in terms of economic growth, governance, and welfare delivery. He expressed confidence that the BJP would secure victory in the upcoming Dampa Assembly bypoll, adding that the party has strong long-term prospects in the Christian-majority state. Singh further highlighted that the NDA government at the Centre has prioritized the development of the Northeastern region, and visible improvements have been achieved across multiple sectors due to central initiatives.

During his two-day visit to Mizoram, Singh is actively campaigning for the BJP’s Dampa bypoll candidate Lalhmingthanga. The by-election, scheduled for November 11, was necessitated by the death of MNF MLA Lalrintluanga Sailo on July 21. This election is seen as a significant political contest in Mizoram, given the state’s demographic and political dynamics, and its outcome is expected to influence future governance and development initiatives in the region.

Currently, five candidates are contesting the Dampa seat:

1. Vanlalsailova of the ruling Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM),

2. R. Laithangliana of the Mizo National Front (MNF),

3. John Rotluangliana of the Congress,

4. Lalhmingthanga of the BJP, and

5. K. Zahmingthanga of Brig T. Sailo’s People’s Conference.

Singh stressed that having a double-engine government in Mizoram would allow for smooth coordination between the state and Centre, facilitating faster approvals for infrastructure projects, social welfare schemes, and development initiatives. He argued that misalignment between state and central governments often results in bureaucratic delays and prevents the people from fully benefiting from central programs. By ensuring both levels of government are under the same leadership, Mizoram could achieve consistent policy implementation and accelerated socio-economic growth.

He also highlighted the BJP’s broader vision for the Northeastern states, emphasizing the importance of integrating regional development with national growth. Singh reiterated that the NDA government has already made substantial investments in infrastructure, connectivity, healthcare, education, and employment in the Northeast, and having BJP representation at the state level would amplify these efforts.

Singh’s campaign in Mizoram underscores the BJP’s focus on consolidating political support in the region ahead of the by-election, aiming to showcase the party’s governance model, commitment to development, and ability to implement welfare programs effectively. He called on the electorate to support BJP candidates to ensure the state benefits from a coordinated, development-focused administration in line with the central government’s priorities.

In conclusion, Jitendra Singh’s statements and campaign reflect a strategy to strengthen BJP’s presence in Mizoram, promote development through a double-engine government model, and secure a victory in the Dampa bypoll to reinforce governance alignment between the state and the Centre.