New Delhi: Though Mizoram’s economy grew 10.37 percent in 2013 which is more than double the national figure of five percent, it is miniscule compared to the steep rise in leaders’ assets over the past five years.
The average increase in assets of 66 of the 140 candidates, who were in the fray in 2008 and are re-contesting elections to the state assembly that would go to polls on November 25, is 250 percent.
In real terms, the average assets of these 66 candidates fielded by different parties in 2008 was Rs74,54,894 which has increased to Rs2,61,26,335, registering an average increase of Rs1,86,71,441.
A total of 36 MLAs of the outgoing House who are re-contesting have recorded an increase of 217 percent. In 2008, they had average assets of Rs8.2m which has shot up to Rs20.62m, an average increase of Rs10.79m.
The assets of three MLAs including Congress’ Pu Lalthanhawla and John Rotluangliana and C Ramhluna of the Mizo National Front have gone through the ceiling. Lalthanhawla recorded an increase of Rs60.92m (from Rs2o.22m in 2008 to Rs.9.15 crore in 2013). Similarly, Rotluangliana declared an increase of Rs50. 40m (from Rs10.03m in 2008 to Rs60.44min 2013). Ramhluna has left all agape after registering an impressive asset increase of Rs50.14m. His declared assets in 2008 were Rs1.5m which jumped to Rs50.33m in 2013.
IANS
