The frontier State of Mizoram is no different when it comes to dynastic politics. A few candidates from political families are contesting the Assembly elections this time too. Top on the list is the extended family of Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla.
Mr. Thanhawla, 76, five times at the helm and seeking a 10th term in the Assembly, is contesting his pet seat of Serchhip and Champhai South.
His younger brother Lal Thanzara hopes to be re-elected from Aizawl North-III for the third straight term. He is referred to as the de facto CM.
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.
Rivals call Vanlalampuii Chawngthu, 39, the first woman to become a Minister in the State after Lalhlimpuii Hmar was appointed one in 1987, a beneficiary of the “family-first policy” of the Congress. She is the daughter of former Minister C. Chawngkunga, now the general secretary of the Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee.
She is seeking re-election from the Hrangturzo seat.
“Letting family members grab all the opportunities is typical Congress culture,” former Chief Minister Zoramthanga, the chief of the regional Mizo National Front, told The Hindu .
“The performances of the Ministers that detractors say benefited from being in the right family speak for their ability,” a Congress spokesperson said.
