Party of God in Mizoram assembly election, candidate says fight against corruption, poverty
Contesting as Independent candidate Zoram Thar leader Lalruatfeli Hlawndo spoke to Indiatoday.in arguing that only those believing in God and following right path could fight corruption in politics.
In Short
- Mizoram is going to polls on November 28
- Zoram Thar, a party led by an evangelist, has fielded 24 candidates
- Lalruatfeli Hlawndo is contesting from two seats
Corruption is a core issue in elections across the world. Mizoram is no different. But to clean up Mizoram's politics by weeding out corruption, a new party called Zoram Thar is in the contest for the November 28 assembly election.
Zoram Thar is contesting the Mizoram assembly election in the name of God. Zoram Thar literally translates into New Mizoram. Zoram Thar is controlled by evangelist Zaichhawna Hlawndo, who is the president of the party. However, the 55-year-old preacher insisted in is election meetings that the real controller of the Zoram Thar was Jesus.
Among the candidates fielded by Zoram Thar are two daughters of Zaichhawna Hlawndo -- Lalhrilzeli and Lalruatfeli. Both are UK-educated. All three are contesting from two seats each in Mizoram assembly election.
Zaichhawna Hlawndo is contesting from Aizawl West 1 and Serchhip, where he is fighting against Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla.
Lalhrilzeli, 28, is in the fray from Aizawl North 2 and Lengteng. Lalruatfeli is contesting from Aizawl North 1 and Taikum assembly seats. All are contesting as Independent candidates.
Second Innings for Zoram Thar
A party with the same name had come up in mid-1990s. That was launched by another preacher Rev. VL Nithanga in 1994. That party frittered away without making much noise in Mizoram politics. The new outfit with an old name came up in February 2016.
Indiatoday.in spoke to Lalruatfeli Hlawndo, the younger daughter of Zoram Thar president Zaichhawna, excerpts:
India Today: Why do you think a new party, Zoram Thar, needed to put up candidates in Mizoram?
Lalruatfeli Hlawndo: Zoram Thar is not a party. It is a collection of people who have identified that godliness and biblical principles are the core to eradicating corruption and the dirty system of politics in Mizoram. Only by God's leadership can we have pure democracy and the right heart to truly take care of the public.
The candidates for Zoram Thar are standing as Independents, trusting in God to lead them and the people -- and have not used party political system of taking members, setting up units and using money and bribery to buy people's votes.
India Today: You studied in the UK. So, why did you plunge in Indian politics instead of settling for a bright professional career?
Lalruatfeli Hlawndo: I already had a career in the UK. I am an ordained pastor and was also working as an Admissions and Marketing Officer for a Bible college. When I came back to Mizoram to support my father, I realised clearly that Mizoram is not developing as it should because of our corrupt politics.
Mizoram needs brave and godly men and women to challenge and change the system; I simply decided to be one of them. I may not have grown up in Mizoram -- but these are my people; this is my nation.
I now have deep love for the people of Mizoram -- which is why I have decided to use all my learning and experiences for the benefit of the people in Mizoram. I truly believe that once there is change in government, Mizo people will be equipped for further ministry in India and abroad.
India Today: Your party, along with the BJP, has given tickets to maximum number of woman candidates. How do you view women's participation in Mizoram politics?
Lalruatfeli Hlawndo: I never view gender as an issue in any field of work - whether that is in the religious field, politics, business etc. My decision has challenged a lot of young men and women to rethink their stance in politics - which is already a great achievement for me!
India Today: If elected what will be your priorities?
Lalruatfeli Hlawndo: Relieving poverty has to get priority. We will be taking major steps to creating markets and employment for the poorer men and women in our society.
Personally, I believe we need better space for recreational activities. Building and improving parks and sports facilities is definitely one of my priorities.
The major contribution I will make is on improving administration as my work experience has been biased towards administration. I also believe that my experience in cross-cultural mission, living and growing up across continents and being multilingual will serve a great purpose in tourism and international relations.
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