CM Sonowal among others file papers as Nomination Process for First Phase ends

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Several leaders of various political parties including Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal submitted their nomination papers in their respective constituencies on Tuesday — the last day for filing of nomination for the first phase of Assembly elections slated on March 27. Scrutiny of the nomination papers will take place on March 10. The last date for withdrawal of nomination is March 12.

Altogether 47 LACs (Legislative Assembly Constituencies) –across 11 of the total 34 districts of Assam — are going to the polls in the first phase. These 11 districts are Sonitpur, Biswanath, Lakhimpur, Nagaon, Golaghat, Jorhat, Chariadeo, Tinsukia, Majuli, Lakhimpur, and Dhemaji.

Among the Congress leaders who filed their nomination papers on Tuesday were Rakibul Hussain (Samaguri); RupjyotiKurmi (Mariani); RoselinaTirkey (Sarupathar); Bharat Chandra Narah (Naob-oicha); Ajay Phukan (Chabua); and Prasanta Kumar Saikia (Kaliabar).

The AGP (Asom GanaParishad) leaders who submitted their nomination papers were RenupomaRajkhowa (Teok) and Prithviraj Rabha (Tezpur) among others.

The BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) leaders who filed their nomination papers were Jogen Mohan (Mahmara); Angoorlata Deka (Batadroba); Dr Amiya Kumar Bhuyan (Bihpuria); DharmeswarKonwar (Sonari); MrinalSaikia (Khumtai); and Taranga Gogoi (Naharkatia) among others.

Former Minister Brindabon Goswami also filed his nomination as an independent candidate from Tezpur. The AGP has denied its ticket to Goswami this time.

Meanwhile accompanied by many supporters in a rally, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal filed his nomination papers for Majuli LAC for the second time after the 2016 Assembly election.

Talking to the media before filing the nomination papers, Sonowal said, "I seek blessings from the Almighty and the masses of Assam so that I can continue my work for the future of the State. During the last five years with the cooperation of the masses, we were able to run the government successfully.

"The people of Majuli have been showering their love and affection on me. Hence, I shall be always indebted to them.

"Lots of developmental activities took place in Majuli in the last five years. Majulibecame a district, the communication system has developed, and many infrastructural facilities have been set up here. For the masses of Majuli, I commit myself to undertake more development programmes."

The Chief Minister asserted, "The people of Assam will once again vote to power the BJP-led coalition. This is primarily because we succeeded in fulfilling the aspirations of the masses. This was also our promise in 2016. In one word, the people of the valleys of Barak and the Brahmaputra, as well as the hills are with us this time also."

After submitting his nomination papers, he also addressed a public meeting at Majuli. Among the dignitaries present on the occasion were Union Minister Jitendra Singh, State Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, AGP (Asom GanaParishad) president and working president Atul Bora and KeshabMahanta respectively, State BJP president Ranjeet Kumar Dass, UPPL (United People's Party Liberal) president and Chief Executive Member (CEM) of BTC (Bodoland Territorial Council) PramodBoro.

Mentionably, the second phase of Assembly elections will be held across 39 LACs on April 1; while the third and last phase of the polls will be conducted in 40 LACs on April 6.

According to the election department, altogether 207 nomination papers have been submitted for the first-phase polls.

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