Raltê Chalchhûnga | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 1st Chief Minister of Mizoram | |
| In office 3 May 1972 – 10 May 1977 | |
| Lieutenant Governor | S. P. Mukherjee S. K. Chibber |
| Preceded by | Office Established |
| Succeeded by | Thenphunga Sailo |
| Constituency | Kolasib |
| President ofMizo Union | |
| In office 4 March 1952 – 28 October 1953 | |
| Preceded by | Raymond Thanhlira |
| Succeeded by | Raymond Thanhlira |
| President of Mizo Union | |
| In office 9 October 1955 – 8 October 1962 | |
| Preceded by | Raymond Thanhlira |
| Succeeded by | H.K. Bawichhuaka |
| President of Mizo Union | |
| In office 4 March 1964 – 1 October 1971 | |
| Preceded by | H.K. Bawichhuaka |
| Succeeded by | Ch. Saprawnga |
| Personal details | |
| Born | ChalChhûnga (1922-11-12)November 12, 1922 Demagiri, Mizoram |
| Died | 24 August 1988(1988-08-24) (aged 65) |
| Party | Mizo Union |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 11 |
| Residence | Aizawl |
| Nickname | Lawrence Ch. Chhûnga |
Lawrence Ralte Chalchhûnga also known asCh. Chhûnga[a] (1922–1988) was the firstChief Minister of Mizoram, a state innortheast India. He served as a Chief Minister under theMizo Union, from 1972 to 1977.
Ch. Chhûnga was born on 12 November 1922 atTlabung. He was the only son of C.L. Thianga and Vanthangpuii. He studied in Kolasib for lower primary before settling in Aizawl for Boys' Middle English School. He studied in Shillong in 1938 atSt. Anthony's High School. During his study, the outbreak ofWorld War II prompted Chhûnga to enlist in theRoyal Indian Navy as a wireless Operator in July 1941.[1] Under the pressure of his parents, Chhûnga attempted to leave the military and was discharged after purposely failing all his exams. He continued his education at St. Anthony's and completed matric in 1943. During his studies, he fraternalized with other tribal students and formed the Hill Students' Union and became politically active.[2]
Chhûnga showed interest in the newly formedMizo Union party with his friend H. Vanthuamawere. However, his father's expectations encouraged him to continue studying.[2] In the Mizo Union General Assembly of 1951, Chhûnga was elected as President of the Mizo Union.[3]
Following the Mizo District Council elections on 4 January 1952, Chhûnga was instructed to contest the seat of the North Vanlaiphai constituency.[3] Chhûnga declined and contested the Aizawl-Lunglei constituency against Pachhunga of theUnited Mizo Freedom Organization. Chhûnga lost to Pachhunga with 787 votes to his 860. However, the Mizo Union succeeded overall and won 17 constituencies out of 18. As a result, Chhûnga was reelected as President of the Mizo Union party in 26-29 February 1952 during the assembly.[4]
Following the resignation ofRaymond Thanhlira due to nomination to parliament a bye-election was held in 1952. The nomination committee selected Chhûnga as the Mizo Union candidate. Chhûnga was in Silchar completed his Bachelor of Arts. He had been nominated by Lalbuia, his agent, and this was a breach of nomination hence rejecting his candidacy. Lalbuia, who was uncontested, became the Member of Legislative Assembly. Upon Chhûnga's arrival, Lalbuia offered to resign and let him become the MLA. However, Chhûnga refused.[5]
In the 1957 Mizo District Council election, Chhûnga contested against Pachhunga once more.[4]
Chhûnga was the Chief Executive Member of Mizoram District Council, The United Mizo Parliamentary Party, a coalition of Mizo Union and Congress Party and dominated the 1971 Village Council elections by winning 66 of the 158 Village councils.[6] Chhûnga was appointed the President of theMizo Union in the 1952 General Assembly as the people preferred a young man instead of the much senior Bawichhuaka. Chhûnga held the Party president's post for 14 years during the 28 years ofMizo Union Party. Chhûnga won election inKolasib (Vidhan Sabha constituency) and was appointed the Chief Minister of Union Territory ofMizoram by SP Mukherjee, the First Lt Governor of Mizoram on 3 May 1972.[7] Chhûnga was instrumental of merger ofMizo Union with theIndian National Congress. TheMizo Union being a regional party depended on the center for funds and preferred to join with theIndian National Congress.[8] Chhûnga was instrumental in Mizoram getting State status. He negotiated for separation of Mizoram District fromAssam state.
Chhûnga married Lalrothangi in 1948. He had 11 children and named them with the prefix "Chal".[3]
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)| Preceded by Position established | Chief Minister of Mizoram 3 May 1972 – 10 May 1977 | Succeeded by |
