Mizoram Elections: Its all in the Family

Guwahati: Dynastic Politics has always played a vital role in the Indian political scenario. The Northeastern state of Mizoram is no different when it comes to dynastic politics. Keeping the trend of dynastic politics alive, few candidates from political families are contesting the Assembly elections in the state this time as well. The extended family of Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla tops the list of candidates.

Mr Thanhawla, 76, who has adorned the thorn of Chief Minister of Mizoram for five times and is seeking a 10th term in the Assembly, will be contesting from his pet seat of Serchhip and Champhai South.

Referred to as the de facto CM, Lal Thanhawla’s younger brother Lal Thanzara hopes to be re-elected from Aizawl North-III for the third straight term.

The sister of Urban Development and Sports Minister Zodintluanga, 58, is married to Mr Thanhawla’s son. He is seeking his third straight term from Thorang.

Another beneficiary of the “family-first policy” of the Congres is is the daughter of former Minister C. Chawngkunga. Vanlalampuii Chawngthu, 39, the first woman to become a Minister in the State after Lalhlimpuii Hmar who was inducted into Mizoram Assembly in 1987. She currently adorning the post of general secretary of the Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee, and seeking re-election from the Hrangturzo seat.

Taking a dip the on “family-first policy” of the Congres, former Chief Minister and chief of the regional Mizo National Front, Zoramthanga, said “Letting family members grab all the opportunities is typical Congress culture”

On the other hand, defending the party’s “family-first policy and refuting the claims of the rival political parties, a Congress Spokesperson of Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee said, “The performances of the Ministers those detractors say benefited from being in the right family speak for their ability,”

Mizoram will be going for polls on 28 November 2018 The legislative assembly election will be held to elect members of the 40 constituencies in the state. The term of the Lal Thanhawla led Congress government in the state will come to an end on December 15 this year.

Mizoram Pradesh Congress is expected to face a tough fight in the ensuing election from the Mizo National Front (MNF). MNF who currently has 5 seats in the Mizoram Assembly will be contesting in all the Assembly seats in the ensuing Assembly elections in the state.

MNF interestingly is fielding 17 first time candidates in the polls. The youngest candidate named by MNF is 38 years old Robert Lalhmingsanga, who will be contesting from West Tuipui.

Also Read: National People’s Party to contest Elections in Mizoram