Three in fray for two Rajya Sabha seats from Assam

Guwahati: Three candidates remained in fray for two Rajya Sabha seats in Assam, election for which is scheduled on March 21 next.
The principal secretary of Assam Assembly, who is also the returning officer for the election, informed that the election will be held between the three candidates, with the last date for withdrawal of nomination ending on Monday.
Two ruling Congress leaders, including a former Union minister, and one opposition-supported Independent candidate had filed nomination for the two Rajya Sabha seats from Assam. Former Union minister Ranee Narah and former state minister Ripun Bora filed the nomination as ruling Congress candidates. While Bora will be the first preference candidate for Congress, Narah will be the second one.
Though Bora’s victory is a certainty, Narah could be in difficulty if some Congress legislators, denied ticket for next month’s Assembly election, do not vote in her favour.
The third nomination was filed by businessman Mahavir Jain, with the support of opposition Bodoland People’s Front (BPF). Jain claimed to enjoy support of BJP and AGP MLAs, besides BPF, and dissident Congress and AIUDF MLAs, who are denied party ticket, could also come in his support.
The main opposition party, AIUDF, is yet to announce whether it will vote in the election. The total voting strength would be 114 MLAs after resignation of 12 MLAs.  Voting and counting of votes would be done on March 21 next. The two seats that are falling vacant are held by the ruling Congress. (UNI)