Ten 'crorepati' candidates in fray for Mizoram Assy polls

Aizawl, Nov 20 (UNI) Ten candidates having assets worth over Rs one crore would contest the December 2 elections to the 40-seat Mizoram Assembly, according to Prism (People's Right to Information and Development Implementing Society of Mizoram).

The candidates include four from the ruling Mizo National Front (MNF), three each from the opposition Pradesh Congress and the United Democratic Alliance(UDA).

The voluntary watchdog Prism today released its much-awaited Lepsena (a scanner) on the candidates and the major parties election manifestoes.

Among them, former Speaker and MNF candiadate for Tuichang constituency R Lalawia is the richest with assets worth more than Rs 61.82 crore , followed by Food Minister and MNF candidate for Aizawl North-III K Sangthuama.

Former Chief Minister and pradesh Congress supremo Lal Thanhawla holds the seventh position with his wealth amounting to Rs 2,22,71,985, while Education Minister and MNF stalwart Dr R Lalthangliana stands at the tenth position with assets worth Rs 172,55,055.

However, Chief Minister and MNF president Zoramthanga fails to figure in the 'rich list'.

There are three candidates, including Health Minister and Aizawl West-I MNF candidate R Tlanghmingthanga, whose wealth has decreased by Rs 170,95,045.24 from the previous declarations of assets prior to the 2003 Assembly elections.

Congress' first-timer and former student leader R Vanlalvena is the poorest candidate with his wealth standing at a mere Rs 53,776.

There are three candidates against whom there are court cases.

They are Congress chief Lal Thanhawla and two MNF candidates Zoramthanga (CM) and H Vanlalauva (minister).

Prism has also scanned election manifestoes of the three major parties-- MNF, Congress and UDA and found Congress manifestoes as the 'numero uno'.

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