Mizoram

Dramatic comeback of Lalthanhawla in Mizoram

Lalthanhawla was almost written off when he made a dramatic comeback in Mizoram State Assembly by winning 32 of the 40 seats. It was in a manner which was totally dismissive of the Mizo National Front's ten year reign. While the family and supporters of Lalthanhawla are celebrating, he preferred to stay away, preparing to be an asset to the expectations of people. Despite a total sweep by the Congress, there was hardly any emotion that the camera could catch on him, except for a brief smile when greeted by his family.

The 66-yr-old Congress chief ministerial candidate, like Lalthanhawla, started as an underground Mizo National Front (MNF) cadre and rose to become the Front's Secretary. Mr. Lalthanhawla, then, joined Congress in the late sixties and became the party President in 1973. In 1984, Lalthanhawla led the first Congress government in Mizoram. Significantly, in 1986 after the historic Mizo Peace Accord between New Delhi and the MNF, at the behest of Rajiv Gandhi he stepped down to make way for MNF leader Laldenga. After Mizoram was granted statehood he ruled the state for ten years.

Mr. Lalthanhawala said,"They missed Congress government. That's why they voted us back to power in such a massive way. Why should they vote for us, there were others like Brig Sailo. They are all educated people, I'm not..."

Lalthanhawla, along with the party, have reason to celebrate. Its one of the biggest victory made by any political party in the electoral history of Mizoram.