Even the Mizo National Front (MNF) he founded to carry on the armed insurgency does not want to make his legacy an election issue. This is despite the fact that the MNF, in its poll manifesto, complains of non-implementation of the pledges in the Mizo Accord which Laldenga signed with Rajiv Gandhi in July 1986 to end the revolt. The party has pledged to build a ``martyrs' memorial'' here in remembrance of those killed in the four-decade-old insurgency. But that's about all so far as Laldenga's memory goes for the Mizos on the eve of Assembly polls.

This is in stark contrast to the wild scenes of jubilation this picturesque hill town witnessed on an August day in 1986 when Laldenga, the living legend, returned home after 20 years in exile following the Mizo Accord with theGovernment of India.

The whole of Aizawl was out in the streets. Hundreds of cars, jeeps and buses, with boys and girls singing and dancing, escorted Laldenga from the Turiel airfield. Streets and housetops in the town were lined with people of all ages joining the frenzy of their hero's return. The Assam Rifles ground where he addressed a public meeting was overflowing.

Today, most young Mizos have only a blurred idea of the many who died not very long ago in July, 1990. Only his wife, Labbiakdiki, is a vaguely familiar name for most young people. She campaigned for the MNF (Nationalist), the new party which broke away from the parent party two years ago, during the current electioneering. His eldest son became an alcoholic. The younger has long been living abroad. His daughter, a doctor, lives a quiet life here but not many know exactly where she lives.

``Actually, Laldenga the legend died soon after he became Chief Minister following the accord,'' says Runbika, editor of Mizo daily, Zoeng. ``Hisgovernment was not only non-performing, but also faced corruption charges,'' he adds. Eventually, his government collapsed and President's Rule was imposed. The MNF failed to win both the 1989 and 1993 elections.

``No, we haven't forgotten him,'' insists MNF joint secretary Zosangliana, pointing to Laldenga's picture at the party's general headquarters here. ``We don't use his pictures in the election banners or take his name in the meetings because as Christians we respect the dead man,'' he adds.

The Congress posters have pictures of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi because ``it is a Hindu party, though here in Mizoram, Congressmen, like most Mizos, are Christians''. According to him, Laldenga's legacy in the MNF is being carried on by leaders like Zoramthanga, his deputy during the days of insurgency, and Tanluia, the chief of the MNF's underground army. But this time, the MNF could achieve what Laldenga could not in his last years. It could come back to power after nine years.

This could happen fortwo broad reasons. First, although the party split, it has been able to clinch an alliance with the Mizoram People's Conference, the third biggest party led by Brigadier (Retired) T. Sailo. The alliance, though, is not complete. The two parties have put up common candidates for 20 of the 40 seats, while they will be fighting each other in the other 20 constituencies.

Even this is a great advance for the two parties from the 1993 scenario when the alliance broke down a few weeks before the polls, making the win easier for the Congress. The second reason why the MNF-MPC combine may win this time is that the people seem to be wanting a change from the nine-year Congress rule. Corruption cases against Congress ministers, including Chief Minister Lalthanhawla, have tarnished the party's image among the people.

The only element of uncertainty for the MNF-MPC alliance comes from the number of smaller parties in the fray. The electorate in each constituency is so small (the total electorate is a little over fourlakh) that the smaller parties can make big differences between the major contenders. Besides the main contestants, the Congress, MPC and MNF, there is the new combine, Citizens' Common Forum, which includes the MNF(N) and other small parties, that is contesting 34 seats.