Assam Assembly Polls 2021: Patacharkuchi witnesses interesting poll contest

STAFF REPORTER: 

GUWAHATI: An interesting contest is going to take place in the third phase of Assembly polls slated on April 6. This will be witnessed in the Patacharkuchi LAC (Legislative Assembly Constituency) within the newly created Bajali district.

Of the 1,44,190 voters in the Patacharkuchi LAC, a total of 72,693 are males and 71,497 are females. This LAC has 208 polling stations. The other LAC in Bajali district is Bhabanipur.

Though the electorates of Patacharkuchi LAC will have to choose their representative from among five contenders, the main fight is likely to take place between BJP State president Ranjeet Kumar Dass and AJP (Assam JatiyaParishad) working president Pabindra Deka, feel political observers. The other three candidates are Santanu Sarma (Indian National Congress), Krishna Mani Das (Republican Party of India-Athawale), and Chakra Pani Medhi (Independent). [Read More - Latest Assam Election 2021 News]

The main poll agenda of Ranjeet Kumar Dass is 'development of both Patacharkuchi LAC and Bajali district'. Pabindra Deka is focusing on the repeal of CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act). Santanu Sarma (INC) is campaigning on the Congress party's five guarantees.

Ranjeet Kumar Dass (BJP) had won the 2016 Assembly polls from Sarbhog LAC in Barpeta district by a margin of 19,526 votes. While Das polled 56,454 votes, his main contender, Anurupa Hannan (INC) got 36, 928 votes. However for the 2021 Assembly polls, the BJP Central leadership asked Dass to contest from Patacharkuchi LAC. On the other hand, the BJP has fielded Sankar Chandra Das from Sarbhog LAC for this year's Assembly election.

When asked about his political prospects this time, Dass said, "The masses of Patacharkuchi are supporting me and our alliance with the AGP and the UPPL (United People's Party Liberal). I will win with a large margin."

On the other hand, Pabindra Deka (AJP) contested the 2016 Assembly polls from Patacharkuchi LAC as an AGP (Asom Gana Parishad) candidate. He won the seat by a margin of 51, 976 votes. He polled 64,558 votes while his prime contender Sailen Kalita (INC) got 51,976 votes. Recently, Deka resigned from the MLA's post and also the primary membership of AGP and joined the newly formed regional political party – the AJP (Assam Jatiya Parishad).

Pabin Deka contended, "The people of Patacharkuchi are not supporting Dass, who has left his Sarbhog seat to contest from here. The masses are with me."

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