A family lunch,picnic next to a kiddies’ pool

With Lal Thanhawla now seeking a fifth term in power,the family is used to the sight,even on the rare quiet days like they are seeing now.

In the dining hall of the CM’s residence,located on a hilltop on Aizawl’s MacDonald Hill,daughter-in-law Rosie and a guest chat over tea about “God’s will for the state”. From the kitchen wafts in the smell of smoked pork — later that day,the CM is hosting a “farewell meeting” for the Congress’s 32 sitting MLAs.

“Farewell?” you ask him. Lal Thanhawla smiles at what that word implies. His party fielded all but one of its sitting MLAs this time,and he says: “We are upbeat. You don’t see us packing.”

Wife of 44 years and constant companion,Lal Riliani,is as optimistic. “Our party workers were confident and I didn’t see any reason to worry if they did not. When we lost in 1998,there was a feeling that yes,we might lose. This time,nothing,” she says.

There is a small thing weighing on their minds though. Putting a hand on his abdomen,Lal Thanhawla says he has gained inches during campaigning,as Lal Riliani nods.

“We follow a very strict,meagre diet,” the CM says. “No red meat and lots of green salads and fruits. But when we are on the campaign trail,people always remember the meals I used to devour when I was younger,and of course we can’t refuse,” he says.

On Sunday,the day before the results (as a concession for the Christian state,the counting is being done on Monday),the family will attend church in the morning and evening,with a family brunch in the middle.

There is also a picnic planned for Saturday. “We thought we would have an old-fashioned picnic at a river or stream. But there are plenty of small children,so we have booked a resort with a kiddies’ pool. Dad’s schedule is always full,so we said this time he has to be at the picnic,and no appointments at all,” she says,looking at her father,who grunts.