Report: 31 out of 38 re-contesting MLAs' assets in Mizoram increased from 3% to 209% in 5 years

Source

The Newsmen

https://thenewsmen.co.in/politics/report-31-out-of-38-recontesting-mlas-assets-in-mizoram-increased-from-3-to-209-in-5-years/121284

Author

NEWSMEN POLITICS DESK

Date

11/02/2023 - 12:00

City

New Delhi

Comparing the financial profiles of these re-contesting MLAs over the years, the report highlighted that the average assets of these candidates in 2018 were valued at Rs 4.90 crore.

Among the 38 re-contesting MLAs in Mizoram, a recent report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Mizoram Election Watch has shed light on significant changes in their assets as they gear up for the Mizoram Assembly Election 2023. The report revealed that 31 out of the 38 re-contesting MLAs, which accounts for 82 percent of the total, have witnessed notable increases in their assets, ranging from 3 percent to a substantial 209 percent. In contrast, the assets of the remaining seven MLAs, constituting 18 percent, have seen decreases ranging from 12 percent to 48 percent.

Comparing the financial profiles of these re-contesting MLAs over the years, the report highlighted that the average assets of these candidates in 2018 were valued at Rs 4.90 crore. Fast forward to 2023, and the average assets have grown to Rs 5.34 crore. This translates to an average asset growth of Rs 43.36 lakh for these MLAs between the two Mizoram Assembly Elections, with an average percentage growth of nine percent.

The report pinpointed a few notable cases of asset growth among these re-contesting MLAs. Dr. R. Lalthangliana of MNF from South Tuipui (ST) constituency saw the most substantial increase in assets, with a staggering Rs 6.41 crore rise. His wealth in 2018 was reported at Rs 7.49 crore, but by 2023, it had soared to Rs 13.90 crore.

Lalchhuanthanga of the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) from Aizawl South-II (ST) constituency also witnessed substantial asset growth, with an increase of Rs 3.89 crore. His assets jumped from Rs 12.94 crore in 2018 to Rs 16.84 crore in 2023.

H. Biakzaua of MNF from Lawngtlai East (ST) constituency experienced an increase of Rs 2.73 crore in his assets. In 2018, his assets were valued at Rs 1.78 crore, which climbed to Rs 4.52 crore in 2023.

The report delved into the statistics by political affiliation, revealing that the average assets of the re-contesting 26 MLAs from the ruling MNF have increased by 8.1 percent, going from Rs 5.09 crore to Rs 5.5 crore. Meanwhile, the re-contesting 6 MLAs of ZPM have witnessed a substantial average asset increase of 30.6 percent, with their assets growing from Rs 3.88 crore to Rs 5.08 crore. In contrast, the re-contesting four Congress MLAs saw their average assets decrease from Rs 6.08 crore to Rs 5.08 crore.

As the Mizoram Assembly Election 2023 approaches, with polling scheduled for November 7 and vote counting set for December 3, these insights into the financial changes among re-contesting MLAs provide valuable information for the electorate.