In the poll-bound State of Mizoram, Rev L R Colney, a former pastor and Bharatiya Janata Party candidate, has been expelled by the Mission for Christ (MFC), a well-known parachurch in Mizoram. Rev Colney was an executive member of the body and a full-time missionary.

In the first list of candidates released by the BJP for Mizoram, out of total 13 candidates 2 are former pastors, Rev Colney being one of them. Another executive member of Mission for Christ is a candidate of the Mizo National Front (MNF).

Rev Colney, who is contesting from Aizawl East I assembly segment, accused the MFC of double standards. Calling it to be a politically influenced move, Colney stated that “This is surprising decision and reflects double standards as the MFC has not taken any decision against the MNF candidate R Lalthangliana, who is also an executive member of MFC”.

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Meanwhile, the Mission for Christ trying to defend their action of expulsing Rev Colney in its statement said,”We were shocked by the fact that our executive member and a missionary Rev Dr L R Colney was one of the selected candidates of the BJP”.

MFC president Rev Lalchungnunga explained, “there is no politics. Colney is like my son but our supporters have not understood him. Moreover, he is a full-time missionary and cannot take part in politics”.

Last week, Rev Colney said BJP coming into political reckoning in predominantly Christian stronghold Mizoram will be like “heavenly blessings” for the development of the north eastern state.