New twist to Rajya Sabha poll in Assam

Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI: The Rajya Sabha election in Assam has taken a sudden twist with another journalist, Atanu Bhuyan, collecting nomination papers from the Returning Officer (RO) a day before the last day of filing nominations.

As of now the ruling alliance’s BPF candidate Biswajit Daimary submitted his nomination papers on Wednesday. The other candidate of the ruling alliance, BJP’s Bhubaneswar Kalita is going to file his papers on Friday. Congress-AIUDF common candidate journalist Ajit Kumar Bhuyan is also going to file his nomination papers on Friday.

The situation now hinges on the fact that – if journalist Atanu Bhuyan gets the signatures of ten MLAs to validate his nominations and doesn’t withdraw his nominations within the stipulated time – he will certainly contest for one of the three seats of the Upper House from the State. And in such an event, the election is inevitable.

Meanwhile, talking to the media on Thursday, NEDA convener Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “This Rajya Sabha poll has two candidates of the ruling alliance – the BJP, AGP and the BPF. If the Congress and AIUDF field a common candidate, that candidate will win the third seat. Neither the central nor the State leadership of the BJP has taken any decision on the third Rajya Sabha seat in Assam. However, if any candidate gets the ten mandatory signatures of MLAs and submits his/her papers there’s a possibility of election.

“I don’t think journalist Atanu Bhuyan has collected nomination papers without having discussed it with anybody or without any specific purpose to serve. Certainly, he has a purpose to serve.

“If the election is held, we can’t vote for any Congress-AIUDF candidate.”

The Rajya Sabha poll is slated for March 26 for three seats.

Also Read: Senior journalist Atanu Bhuyan to contest for Rajya Sabha Polls

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