Guwahati: The Mizoram state assembly is dominated by deep-pocket candidates, as 36 of the 40 newly elected members are crorepatis, according to an analysis of MLAs made by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).
In the recently declared results of the assembly polls, 90% crorepati candidates made it to the state assembly. The 2018 election saw an increase of 15% crorepati MLAs from 75% in 2013. In the last assembly, 30 MLAs were crorepatis.
After analysing the affidavits submitted by candidates for the November 28 assembly elections, ADR found that the average assets of MLAs amounted to Rs 4.84 crore. The figure swelled from Rs 3.10 crore five years ago. The average increase in percentage terms stood at 56.12%.
Twenty-two of the 26 (85%) Mizo National Front (MNF) MLAs are crorepatis. The figure for the Congress MLAs stood at five.
Mizoram’s per capita income stood at Rs 95,317 during 2015-16 from Rs 85,659 in 2014-15, an increase of 11.27% during the corresponding years.
While the state assembly had no MLAs with criminal cases against them five years ago, the newly elected members of the 40-member assembly has two MLAs (5%) with criminal charges against them. Both the two MLAs are from the MNF.
However, the number of criminal of MLAs with criminal cases against them was three in 2008.
The state assembly now has as high as 29 graduate MLAs while 10 declared their educational qualification between fifth and 12 standard.
In the recently concluded elections for the 40-member assembly, the MNF won 26 and the Congress was limited to five. Eight independent candidates made it to the assembly.
