In the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, 47 candidates in Assam have thrown their hats into the ring for Congress tickets...
Digital Desk: In the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, 47 candidates in Assam have thrown their hats into the ring for Congress tickets, according to party sources. Surprisingly, none of the three incumbent Congress MPs in the state have applied for a ticket, although one has collected the form, while the other two are yet to initiate the process.
The deadline for accepting applications from party members seeking tickets for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections is set to conclude on Tuesday. The northeastern state, with 14 Lok Sabha seats, has witnessed a diverse pool of applicants, including several women.
Barpeta MP Abdul Khaleque is among the applicants, having collected his application form on Monday. However, the party source revealed that the other two MPs, Pradyut Bordoloi from Nagaon and Gaurav Gogoi from Kaliabor, are yet to obtain their application papers.
The source hinted at a possible extension of the application deadline, citing the ongoing Parliament session and the busy schedule of party leaders. The application process, which began on December 11, requires each aspirant to deposit a fee of Rs one lakh, as per a circular issued by the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) earlier this month.
The Congress, as part of the 15-member opposition forum in the state, has committed to contesting the 2024 Lok Sabha elections collectively. Consequently, the party will refrain from fielding candidates in certain constituencies, as outlined in the circular. As a gesture, the fees of aspirants applying for these constituencies will be refunded.
The 15-party United Opposition Forum Assam (UOFA), aligned with the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), has been established for the upcoming elections. Comprising parties such as AJP, Raijor Dal, CPI(M), CPI, Jatiya Dal-Asom, NCP, RJD, Janata Dal (U), TMC, CPI(ML), and AAP, the UOFA recently held a two-day conclave to strategize for the approaching Lok Sabha polls.
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