Aizawl, Nov 4 (UNI) Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Saturday urged the people of Mizoram, who are prenominantly Christians, to vote for Congress in the November 7 Assembly election in order to safeguard their cultures and religion.

Addressing a press conference here, Tharoor said, "This election is about saving India's soul. The very idea of India is under threat. The time to end politics of hatred is here," he remarked.

For the people of Mizoram, it is a matter of protecting their cultures and religion as the Congress is the only national party that pledges to safeguard India's Unity in Diversity, he said.

"India has always celebrated difference, congress has always believed in the diversity of India. The BJP pushes an illusory idea of unity based on the notion of one religion and culture. We need to remember that uniformity is not unity," Tharoor said.

He added that the people also need to remember that in a few months we will face the Lok Sabha election.

"Uniform Civil Code is a ghostly apparition. The BJP has not shared any draft of the code with anyone. No one has seen a draft and we cannot support any law which threatens the culture and practices of the many minorities and tribes of the country. Unity does not mean uniformity," the Lok Sabha MP said.

Tharoor also accused Zoram People's Movement, an emerging third force, as an entry point for BJP into Mizoram.

"There is a new party on the horizon, but no one really knows who these people are and how they will govern. Who is behind them? Who is financing them? A vote for ZPM will be a vote for BJP through the backdoor," he said.

"In these times it is better to vote for a tried and tested party which knows you and understands your needs. A party which has no unknown shadows lurking in the back," he added.

The Senior Congress leader said the party is focussed on creating employment in the state where youth unemployment is around 23% which is very high and unacceptable.

"When we come to power, we will of course fill the current government vacancies but will also work towards acreating an economy which encourages entrepreneurs," he said.

The young entrepreneurs Elevate programme aims to give them a Leg up to start an enterprise. These will in turn create more employment for the state.

Congress party also promises to provide a monthly stipend of Rs.2000 to widows and people with disabilities to ensure a basic dignity of life.

"We will provide a health coverage of Rs.15 lakh cashless insurance per family. Mizoram has one of the highest per-capita rates of cancer in the country and an additional Rs.5 crore for cancer and other serious ailments will be provided," Tharoor said.

"The BJP has constantly renegaded on its promises when they could get rid of Article what stops them from getting rid of Article 371 (G)."

"Corruption under BJP has soared which is easily visible in the Transparency index which is based on interviews with businessmen and taxpayers. The BJP Has been using investigative agencies to their benefit," he alleged.

Besides Tharoor, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Jairam Ramesh have visited Mizoram for campaign.

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi, who was scheduled to visit the state on November 3, had cancelled her tour.

UNI XC CS1531