Aizawl, Sept. 22: For the first time since its formation on August 17, the Mizoram Congress Party (MCP) faced the media today and reiterated its stand to uphold democracy, secularism and socialism.

Facing the media today at the Aizawl Press Club were the top leaders of the group that split from the Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee with three of the leaders addressing the media and fielding questions.

MCP president and veteran politician J. Lalsangzuala said, ?Despite the country having the democratic system of governance, democracy is disregarded in almost everything. Therefore, the foundation of this new party, which is only a month old, is democracy as well as secularism and socialism. This not only shows that we do not have any ideological differences with the Indian National Congress, but also highlights our differences with only the leadership inside the state Congress.?

He said the party?s aims are to have a corruption-free society through ?clean? politicians, preserve the culture and traditions of the Mizo society, bring about social reforms, become self-sufficient in food, empower women and youth, protect national integrity and uphold peace.