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Hiranya Bhattacharyya quits party
Cracks surface in state BJP
GUWAHATI, April 11: Cracks surfaced in the State BJP leadership even as senior leader, Hiranya
Bhattacharyya resigned from the party protesting the decision of the party to have poll alliance with the
AGP. Sri Bhattacharyya announced his decision to quit the party before BJP members of Nalbari
district unit. He was supposed to be the BJP candidate from Nalbari LAC in the forthcoming polls. [AT]
Corruption Cong's main poll plank
NEW DELHI, April 11: The Assam Congress party is all set to make corruption its central plank in the
forthcoming Assembly election by high-lighting the Tehelka tapes and corruption charges against the
AGP government to attack the AGP-BJP alliance. "By joining hands with the AGP, BJP has made its
intentions very clear to the people of Assam that it wants to perpetuate the destructive and loot raj of
Chief Minister, Prafulla Kumar Mahanta at any cost", alleged the APCC president, Tarun Gogoi at a
press conference at the AICC head office here today. [AT]
Left parties to jointly fight polls
GUWAHATI, April 11: A clear picture of the proposed Peoples' Front in the lines of the Lok Manch in
the national level is yet to emerge. Hoever, it is almost clear that the Left parties -- CPI and the CPM
will fight the ensuing polls together. Both the CPI and CPM came out of the AGP-led four party alliance
after the AGP went for an electoral understanding with the BJP and now efforts are on by the Left parties
to form a Peoples' Front with other like minded parties. The acting secretary of the state unit of the CPI,
Sri Bhogeswar Dutta today said that the Peoples' Front would fight both the AGP-BJP alliance and the
Congress. He revealed that a meeting of the constituents of the Peoples' Front -- CPI, CPM, Samajwadi
Party, RSP and Janata Dal (Secular) will be held tomorrow to give a final shape to the Front. He said
that discussions are also being held with the CPI(ML) Liberation, Mising Mimag Kebang and the
Jayanta Rongpi faction of the Autonomous State Demand Committee. [AT]
Party workers ransack BJP office at Nalbari
NALBARI, April 11: Hundreds of BJP supporters of Nalbari
district who are unhappy with the decision of party's high
command to forge a poll alliance with the state's ruling Asom
Gana Parishad (AGP) on Tuesday ransacked the district head
office of BJP located near old railway station at around 13.30 pm.
The irate supporters destroyed the properties and set ablazed all
valuable documents in front of the party office. They also brought
down the photograph of Union Home Minister L K Advani along
with the party's flag and constitution which was later burnt down. [AT]
Security scenario of upper Assam areas reviewed
JORHAT, April 11: A high-level meeting comprising Upper
Assam deputy commissioners and superintendents of police
was held at the Circuit House here on Friday to review the overall
law-and-order scenario in the vast area prior to the ensuing
Assembly election, besides taking stock of additional security
force deployment at strategic locations. [AT]
157 hyper-sensitive polling stations in Mangaldoi
MANGALDOI, April 11: In the four LACs of Mangaldoi,
Sipajhar, Kalaigaon and Dalgaon under the Mangaldoi
sub-division of Darrang, there are, in all, 4,99,587 voters for the
coming election out of which 2,57,084 are male and 2,42,503
female. According to official sources there has been a slight
increase in the numbers of voters as compared with the past
election. The district election office here gave the report that 608
polling stations would function for the election out of which 157
are categorised as hyper-sensitive and 273 as sensitive and 178
as comparatively safe ones. [AT]
Young voters disenchanted
GUWAHATI, April 11: Disenchantment -- that is the feeling
that pervades among the college-going young voters in the city
even as the election process picks up pace in the State. Most
student-voters here are extremely disappointed with the kind of
politics and politicians in the country in general and Assam in
particular. Some, however, continue to retain their faith in it. [AT]
VHP flays Cong, BJP
GUWAHATI, April 11: The working president of the Vishwa
Hindu Parishad (VHP), Sri Ashok Singhal has appealed to the
youths to be vigilant against the 'evil forces' which are actively
working to disintregate the country. Addressing a rally at Judges'
Field here today on the occasion of Amrit Mohutsav, Sri Singhal
said that the 'evil forces' are spreading communal tension in
various parts of the country for their personal gain. [AT]
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Vishwa Hindu Parishad working president Ashok Singhal
addressing a rally at Judges field in the city on April 11.
The Assam Tribune photo. |
Leave for Govt officials cancelled
GUWAHATI, April 11: In view of the election to the State
Legislative Assembly, a large number of officers and office staff
from Central Government, State Government offices and from the
establishments of the local authority universities nationalised
banks, LIC and government undertakings etc. are to be engaged
for conduct of the said election, an official press release said.
Following the direction of the Election Commission of India, Sri D
N Saikia, Deputy Commissioner and district election officer,
Kamrup has issued an order requesting all heads of
departments, district offices and other concerned offices not to
grant any kind of leave of permission to leave headquarter to
officers and staff till the election process is over, and to cancell
leave already granted to any officers and officials forthwith. [AT]
AGP MLA Pradan Baruah joins Congress
NEW DELHI, April 12: The AGP-BJP alliance today claimed its first casualty with the ruling Regional
Party's sitting Jonai MLA, Pradan Baruah here today joining the opposition Congress party in protest
over the poll pact. The AGP MLA's induction into the Congress party came even as the party's central
screening committee (CSC) today completed its preliminary sitting , clearing one-third of the
candidates for the forthcoming Assembly polls. Congress party leadership here claimed that Sri Baruah
might not be the lone such case, as they have been flooded with feelers from 'disgruntled' elements
belonging to both the AGP as well as the BJP. [AT]
CPI poll manifesto released
AGP-BJP tie-up opportunistic : Gogoi
GUWAHATI, April 12: The Communist Party of India (CPI) today alleged that the Asom Gana
Parishad (AGP) poll pact with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was based on opportunist policies and
senior CPI leader Promode Gogoi said that the CPI would try its best to thwart the growth of the BJP.
Addressing a Press conference after releasing the poll manifesto of the CPI, Sri Gogoi termed the BJP
as a communal and reactionary party and said that if voted to power, the BJP's policies would affect the
entire social fabric of the State. [AT]
AGP, ABSU finalise seat-sharing deal
GUWAHATI, April 12 : The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and
All Bodo Students' Union (ABSU) and the Bodo Peoples' Action
Committee (BPAC) have finalised their seat adjustment deal for
fighting the ensuing Assembly polls jointly today following
discussions at Kokrajhar, informed AGP sources. [AT]
136 'hyper-sensitive' poll centres in Bajali subdivision
TIHU, April 12: Bajali subdivision in Nalbari district has a total
of 291 poll centres out of which 136 have been identified as
'hyper-sensitive'. Closely monitoring the possibility of violence in
those poll centres, the district administration has made elaborate
security arrangements to ensure violence-free poll in those
areas.
Meanwhile, additional seven companies of paramilitary forces
are to be provided as stated by the district administration. On the
other hand, 79 per cent poll centres are reported to be sensitive,
in the turmoil-ridden Nalbari district. [AT]
Friendly contest!
[Letters to the Editor, The Assam Tribune]
Sir,
While reaching an agreement on seat sharing for the
coming Assembly elections, the AGP-BJP combine has decided
that they will have friendly contest in 10 constituencies. But
elections are not friendly football match or already-fixed one day
cricket match and thus friendly contest is ridiculous and the sole
purpose is to fool the people in general and party workers in
particular. More ...
Yours etc., DEVAJIT BHUYAN, RG Baruah Road, Guwahati. [AT]
ABSU satisfied with seat-sharing talks with AGP
GUWAHATI, April 13: The All Bodo Students' Union (ABSU)
president Rabi Ram Narzary said today he was satisfied with the
talks held between the ABSU and the ruling AGP over the seat
sharing arrangements and hoped that the alliance among the
ABSU, AGP and BJP would form the next Government after the
May 10 polls. Narzary, in a press release, said that the ABSU
backed candidates in all the 12 seats assigned to it would win
the elections. Appealing to the indigenous people of the state to
work and extend a helping hand to the candidates, he said that
they would work for the common interests of the indigenous
people. [AT]
Dissidence in State BJP
Poll prospects may be affected : CM
By R Dutta Choudhury
GUWAHATI, April 13 : The prospects of the AGP-BJP alliance may suffer because of the weakness
of the State unit leaders of the BJP to maintain discipline in the party, said Chief Minister and AGP
president Prafulla Kumar Mahanta. Talking to The Assam Tribune here today, Sri Mahanta said that if
the dissidence and the splits in the BJP cannot be prevented by the leaders of the party, the alliance
would be affected in the ensuing polls and the very purpose of the alliance would be defeated. "The State
BJP leaders should immediately settle the differences among the party rank and file if they are
interested in the development of Assam," he said. [AT]
Cong list likely on April 17
NEW DELHI, April 13 : The Congress Party's Central Screening Committee (CSC) today held its
concluding round to finalise the list of candidates, amidst reports of another group of AGP members
including a couple of ministers and sitting MLAs planning to switch sides to the party. The final list of
candidates of the Assam Congress is now expected to be released after the Bihu, as the Congress
Election Committee (CEC) has rescheduled its meeting to April 16. The final list is likely to be released
on April 17, said a State Congress Election Committee member. [AT]
Assam BJP to field over 60 candidates
GUWAHATI, April 13: Dissident senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, Hiranya Kumar
Bhattacharya, who has severed ties with the party and has created the Assam BJP (ABJP) to protest
against the poll pact between the ruling Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and the BJP, today announced
the names of 13 candidates for contesting the May 10 Assembly elections in the State. Bhattarcharya,
who broke away from the BJP to 'sustain the political interest of the grassroots level workers and offset
the Congress-ward tendency among them,' said at a news conference at his Beltola residence here
this morning that his ABJP would field candidates in sixty plus seats in the ensuing polls. [AT]
Senior BJP leaders rush to State
GUWAHATI, April 13 : Senior leaders of the Bharatiya Janata
Party (BJP) have rushed to Guwahati today to hold discussions
with the State unit leaders in the wake of dissatisfaction among
the party workers following poll tie up with the Asom Gana
Parishad (AGP). Talking to The Assam Tribune here this
evening, the BJP general secretary in charge of Assam, Sri Sunil
Shastri said that he, along with BJP vice-president Pyarelal
Khandelwal and general secretary (organisation) Narendra Modi
today held two rounds of meetings with the State Election
Committee members to finalise poll strategy. [AT]
71 central observers for State poll
GUWAHATI, April 13: Altogether 71 central observers have been
deputed by the Election Commission during the ensuing
Assembly election in Assam. Disclosing this here today, the
state chief electoral officer, Bhaskar Mushahary, said the
commission had deputed 46 general central observers and 25
election expenditure observers for smooth conduct of the
Assembly poll. He said the observers would work in their
respective districts of the state as allotted by the Election
Commission and keep vigilance on strict implementation of
model code of conduct. [AT]
ABSU announces names of 11 candidates
KOKRAJHAR, April 16: All Bodo Students' Union (ABSU) and
Bodo Peoples' Action Committee (BPAC) have decalred the
names of the candidates for seat for the ensuing Assembly
elections. The candidates of the
remaining seats have not been finalised yet according to a
reliable source. [AT]
JD(U) poll panel meet
GUWAHATI, April 16: A meeting of the State Election
Committee of Janata Dal (United), Assam will be held Tuesday
at its State Election Committee Office at Nepali Mandir
Crossing, Paltanbazar at 11 a.m. A, JD (U), Assam unit press
release said Mohen Prakash, National secretary-general and
Chief Spokesperson of the party who arrived in the city Monday,
will attend and address the meeting. [AT]
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AGP workers from Nalbari protesting the party's candidature of Alaka Desai from Nalbari LAC.
Asomiya Pratidin photo. |
TGP list
GUWAHATI, April 16: Trinamool Gana Parishad (TGP) will announce its list
of candidates for the ensuing election to the Assam Legislative
Assembly, Wednesday, a TGP statement said. [AT]
AGP announces first list of 54 candidates
GUWAHATI, April 16: The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) today announced a 54-member list of
candidates for the ensuing Assembly election, in which the sitting MLA of Sonai constituency Sri
Anowar Hussain Laskar has been denied the party ticket. Announcing the list here the party president
and the Chief Minister Sri Prafulla Kumar Mahanta said that his party would contest a total of 79 seats
while it would leave 44 for its ally BJP. [AT]
Communal harmony BJP's main poll plank : Shastri
By R Dutta Choudhury
GUWAHATI, April 16: A secure and prosperous Assam with an atmosphere of communal harmony
will be the main poll plank of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the ensuing Assembly polls in the
State, said the general secretary in charge of Assam BJP, Sri Sunil Shastri. Talking to
The Assam Tribune here this morning, Sri Shastri said that infiltration of foreigners into Assam will also be one of
the poll issues for the party. [AT]
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AGP and BJP leaders demonstrate their unity in Guwahati on April 15, 2001.
Asomiya Pratidin photo. |
Notification for Assam Assembly polls issued
GUWAHATI, April 16: The Election Commission (EC) today
issued notification for election to 126 Assembly constituencies in
Assam on May 10, reports PTI. The chief Electoral Officer,
Bhaskar Mushahary, said that with the issuance of the
notification the formal process of filing of nominations began.
However, there was no report of any nomination being filed today.
The last date for filing the nominations is April 23 and April 24 is
the date for scrutiny of nominations while April 26 is the last date
for the withdrawal. The election will be held on May 10 and the
counting will begin on May 13. [AT]
'Friendly contest' raises confusion
GUWAHATI, April 15: The term 'friendly contest' is creating confusion among the rank and file of both
the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). According to an agreement
arrived at by the parties, they would go for 'friendly contest' in 10 constituencies but the concept of such
a contest is not clearly described by the leaders of the parties. [AT]
Nurul, Kalita to remain with AGP
GUWAHATI, April 15: Setting all speculations at rest, State's Cooperation Minister Nurul Hussain
and Sericulture Minister Ramendra Narayan Kalita today categorically said that they would remain with
the ruling Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) come what may. The names of Sri Hussain and Sri Kalita were
in the news for the last about four days for their reported moves at currying favour with the Congress
leaders subsequent to the AGP's forging an electoral alliance hurriedly with the Bharatiya Janata Party
(BJP). AGP MLA from Jonai Pradan Barua's joining Congress on April 12, in the aftermath of the
AGP-BJP alliance, gave a semblance of credence to the reports of Sri Hussain and Sri Kalita's
"overtures" with the Congress. [AT]
AGP-BJP tie-up
[Letters to the Editor, The Assam Tribune]
Sir,
The AGP-BJP tie-up will not only block the
anti-Assamese, pro-Bangladeshi Congress party from coming
into power in the coming Assembly election, but will also act
as a catalytic agent in bringing the much needed unity among
the different indigenous people of the State, so badly
disintegrated during the last few years. More ...
Yours etc., MUKUL CH. BARKATAKY, Bamunimaidam, Guwahati. [AT]
People's dilemma
[Letters to the Editor, The Assam Tribune]
Sir,
Ideology, conviction, principles and promises -- all these
are relegated to the background in the race for power in the
game of politics as it has been reflected in the adjustments and
compromises among the political parties for seat sharing.
Enthusiasm which characterises the birth of a political party with
promises galore -- promises of better governance, clean
administration, speedier development and poverty alleviation end
up in fiasco when the leader reaches the gaddi which happens to
be the cherished goal -- the summum bonum to remain in the
race. More ...
Yours etc., A K THAKUR, Guwahati. [AT]
SUCI to contest 18 seats
GUWAHATI, April 17: The Socialist Unity Centre of India
SUCI will contest 18 seats in the May 10 Assam Assembly
polls, reports PTI. The SUCI's Assam State Committee in a
press release issued here today said that it has decided to
contest in the polls to revive the Left movement in the State and
prevent the Congress, AGP as well as the BJP from coming to
power. [AT]
CPI, CPM, SP forge poll alliance
GUWAHATI, April 17: State committees of the CPI, CPM and the Samajwadi Party (SP) today came
to an understanding to put up a joint fight against both the Congress (I) and the AGP-BJP combine in
the ensuing election to the State Assembly. The three parties which are partners in the national-level
People's Front, came to this conclusion of a meeting held at the Rajgarh State headquarters of the CPI
here. They also arrived at a decision to 'co-ordinate' with other left, democratic and secular parties of the
State like the RSP, Liberation group of the CPI (ML), the PDF and the ASDC (Progressive - led by Dr
Jayanta Rongpi), said acting secretary of the CPI State council Bhogeswar Dutta here this afternoon. [AT]
BJP to release list today, Cong tomorrow
NEW DELHI, April 17: The Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today held separate
meetings to finalise the list of candidates for the Assam Assembly election. While the BJP is expected
to release its list of candidates tomorrow, the Congress is likely to do so on Thursday. The AICC's
Central Election Committee (CEC) headed by its president, Sonia Gandhi resumed its sitting at around
2.30 pm this afternoon to finalise the list of candidates for 66 constituencies. [AT]
None can claim to be clean, opportunists they are all
By Ajit Patowary
GUWAHATI, April 17: Prafulla Kumar Mahanta has seemed to have matured, claimed his fans.
However, going by his latest political somersault, his critics claimed that Sri Mahanta has matured as a
tricky politician being adept in the skill now to swing along from old 'friends' to newly discovered
'friends'. For him, the critics said, political expediency is above morality now and he has mastered the
use of craft and deceit to maintain his authority and carry out his 'policies'. But still, argue some
quarters, Prafulla Kumar Mahanta and for that matter his party Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), is far
behind the subtle or unscrupulous cunning, deception or dishonesty of the Congress when comes the
questions of demagogic pretence and chicanery. [AT]
Assam BJP's list of 13 candidates
GUWAHATI, April 17:The Assam Bharatiya Janata Party,
(ABJP) the breakaway dissident group of the BJP, today
announced the first list of 13 candidates for the forthcoming May
10 Assembly polls in the State, reports PTI. The ABJP leader
Hiranya Bhattacharya, said that the party would contest 60
seats out of a total 126 and the final list will be ready in a few
days.
RDA announces first list of 89 candidates
GUWAHATI, April 17: The newly-formed Regional Democratic
Alliance (RDA) consisting of nine political parties today
announced its first list of 89 candidates allotted to its constituent
parties. Decision was take after a day-long discussion among
the alliance parties at the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)
office here.
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Ballot boxes being made ready at DC office for four
constituencies of Kamrup district.
The Assam Tribune photo. |
TC men join NCP
GUWAHATI, April 18: More than a hundred leaders and
workers of the Trinamul Congress headed by the party's State
unit vice-president Boloram Nag today joined the Nationalist
Congress Party (NCP). NCP sources said that the decision on
whether party tickets would be given to the new entrants has not
yet been taken. [AT]
22 file papers in State
GUWAHATI, April 18: Altogether 22 nomination papers were
filed today for the May 10 Assembly election in Assam, reports
PTI.
Prominent among those who filed their papers were, Speaker
and AGP nominee Ganesh Kutum from the Gohpur constituency
and Minister Ramen Kalita (AGP) from Guwahati (West) seat. [AT]
AGP worker shot dead at Rangiya
RANGIYA, April 18: Sri Biren Patowary a Asom Gana
Parishad (AGP) worker of Rangiya, was shot dead by
unidentified miscreants last night Sri Patowary, aged 38, was a
lecturer in the Rangiya College. According to information
available, Sri Patowary was shot dead last and night his body
with five bullet marks on head and stomach, was found today at
Baranghati village under Kaya police station. An active member
of the AGP, Sri Patowary went to the house of his relatives at
Kuwarikuchi village in Nalbari yesterday. He left the residence of
his relatives after some discussion. It is reported that a group of
ULFA members were also present during the discussion. [AT]
Candidates selection
Confusion grips Cong camp
NEW DELHI, April 18: The Congress Party's selection process has gone haywire, with the Central
Election Committee (CEC) of the party imposing new candidates, leading to overall confusion among
partymen. Even as the APCC leadership was trying to figure out how to handle Devananda Konwar's
defiant act of filing nomination came in reports that his wife Niva Konwar has left for Assam to file
nomination from Sivasagar LAC, said a senior leader of the party. Party sources said their enquiry has
revealed that Devananda Konwar has filed nomination yesterday on the advise of his astrologer.
However, the party High Command has not taken the matter lightly and sources said they may deny
him nomination.
Mahanta to contest from Dispur too
GUWAHATI, April 18: The president of Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, the
Chief Minister will contest the ensuing Assembly poll from Dispur constituency too. Earlier, the party
had announced that Sri Mahanta is the party candidate from Barhampur legislative Assembly
constituency. Today while releasing the second list of AGP nominees for 22 more Assembly seats, the
party informed that Sri Mahanta was also contesting from the prestigious Dispur constituency. [AT]
BJP releases list for 42 seats
NEW DELHI, April 18: The BJP today announced its candidates for 42 seats out of its share of 44
seats, fielding candidates in all the 10 seats earmarked for friendly contest with the ruling AGP. The list
of candidates, however, held no major surprises and the party has nominated all its five sitting MLAs.
Prominent among those fielded by BJP included reputed foot ball player Rebati Phukan, who will
contest from Lahowal LAC. Others included former Janata Dal president, Dulal Baruah being fielded from
Teok LAC, where he will be pitted in a friendly contest with APG's Renupama Rajkhowa. [AT]
ASDC-P fields 5 candidates
GUWAHATI, April 18: Autonomous State Demand
Committee-Progressive (ASDC-P) today announced the names
of its candidates for the forthcoming Assembly election. The
party will field candidates from all the five seats from the hill
districts of Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills. The party
nominees are : Rajya Sabha MP and the CEM of NCHAC
Prakants Warisa Haflong, Daniel Teron Diphu, Selawor Bey
Bokajan, Rabi Kumar Phangsu Howraghat, and Francis Teron
Boithalangsu. [AT]
TGP releases candidates list
GUWAHATI, April 18: The Trinamool Gana Parishad (TGP)
today announced a 19-member list for the ensuing Assembly
election. The party president and general secretary Sri
Pulakesh Baruah and Sri Atul Bora will contest from Barkhetri
and Dispur respectively.
The other candidates are -- Sri Sirajuddin Majerbhuyan
(Hailakandi), Sri Altaf Hussain Borbhuyan (Sonai), Sri Bijay
Krishna Nath (Udharband), Sri Bidya Singh Rongpi (Bokajan), Sri
Khargeswar Timung (Diphu), Sri Bhadreswar Barman
(Abhayapuri, North), Sri Debendra Chandra Kachari (Dudhnoi),
Maulabi Sahjahan Miyan (Goalpara, West), Sri Amir Hussain
(Baghbor), Sri Dina Talukdar (Dharmapur), Sri Jogeswar Bora
(Dhekiajuli), Sri Lalit Baruah (Borchala), Sri Biswanath Pratap
Yadav (Tezpur), Sri Premadhar Bora (Bihpuria), Sri Biren Bora
(Moran), Sri Ananta Handique (Dibrugarh) and Sri Jadab Khaund
(Jorhat). [AT]
Teachers' appeal to voters
GUWAHATI, April 18: Over three lakh school teachers in the
State, under the banner of the Asom Sikshak-Karmachari
Samanway Samiti (ASKSS), has appealed to the electorate of
the state to teach the 'corrupt and incapable' Government in
power a lesson by voting out its Ministers and legislators.
Making this appeal here during a press conference this
afternoon, Samiti office bearers, however, said that they would
not boycott election work assigned to members in the interest of
the people. Expressing utter disappointment with the present
Government, for its failure to address the grievances of the
teachers even after several promises, the Samiti called on the
people to see to it that discredited politicians did not return to
power. The Samiti accused the Government of being corrupt,
reneging on its promises to the teachers and vitiating the
academic atmosphere in the State. Stating that its earlier call to
boycott election duties stood suspended, the Samiti leaders said
that they were well aware that the 'interim Government' was not
in a position to do much about their demands now. The
consideration shown by the Election Commission to the Samiti
has also led to the decision to suspend the agitation, they said. [AT]
BJP not to contest from Tezpur LAC
TEZPUR, April 18: The alliance between the ruling Asom Gana
Parishad (AGP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has taken
a new turn here at No. 73 Tezpur constituency where the BJP till
few days ago was confident of winning the seat has finally
decided not to file its candidate at Tezpur LAC and has paved
the way for the Congress candidate in winning the seat. With
people losing their faith over the AGP for its failure to undertake
the development works during the last five years and the BJP not
contesting the Tezpur seat means that the Congress aspirant Dr
Rabindra Kumar Goswami, former MLA has been given a
walkover. [AT]
3.4 lakh voters in Dhubri subdiv
DHUBRI, April 18: Dhubri subdivision of Dhubri district has
three Assembly constituencies, Dhubri, Gauripur and Golokganj.
These three constituencies have a total electorate of 3,40,135
who are eligible to exercise their franchise in the Assembly
election, 2001.
Constituency-wise the number of voters are: 23 Dhubri -- 56379
(male) -- 52032 (female) -- 108411 (total), 24 Gauripur -- 59258
(male) -- 56939 (female) 116197 (total), 25 Golokganj -- 59790
(male) -- 55737 (female) -- 115527 (total). Polling will be held in
131 polling stations in Dhubri LAC while in Gauripur and
Golokganj LACs the number of polling stations will be 151 and
143 respectively. The total number of polling personnel to be
engaged in all the three constituencies are 425 presiding officers
and 1275 polling officers without counting the persons to be kept
in reserve. [AT]
106 hypersensitive polling booths in Nagaon subdiv
NAGAON, April 18: Nagaon District Administration has fully
prepared itself for smooth conduct of the coming Assembly
election to be held from May 10 next. In a press meet, Sri Naba
Kumar Chetia, DC, Nagaon and the Returning Officer disclosed
here that 4500 polling personnel will be required to conduct the
polls in the seven Assembly constituencies falling under Nagaon
sub-division and necessary training will be imparted to them in
the next week. Sri Chetia also informed that 582 vehicles, 10
bullock carts, 2 boats will be used for carrying men and
materials for the conduct of polls. 16 zonal magistrates and 39
zonal officers will be on duty during the election period to oversee
law-and-order situation and polling process.
In the meantime, district administration has identified 106 polling
booth as hypersensitive 521 sensitive and 348 comparatively
safe. The highest number of hypersensitive polling booths fall
under Batadrava LAC. [AT]
Poll-eve violence
[Letters to the Editor, The Assam Tribune]
Sir,
Poll-eve has always been a risky phase for innocent
common people. Shrewd politicians try their evil tricks to come
to power. Communal riots, bomb blasts, kidnappings, murders
etc normally take place before such power-war. Biswanath
Chariali has already dampened the Bihu spirit. Recovery of a
bomb near Islampur Masjid in Guwahati city is an early signal.
Alertness of the administration and the public can minimise the
damage cause to innocent lives and property. The right thinking
people should come forward to maintain peace and harmony
among different communities and wrong doers should be
exposed.
Yours etc., SYED SAJIDUR RAHMAN, Lakhtokia, Guwahati. [AT]
AGP's betrayal
[Letters to the Editor, The Assam Tribune]
Sir,
The AGP-BJP electoral alliance has not only created a
sense of uncertainty among the aspirants of different political
parties, but has also succeeded in confusing the voters.
Yours etc., HARI SARMA, Rangiya College. [AT]
CPM fields 22 candidates
Pledges to fight communal forces
GUWAHATI, April 19: State Committee of the CPM today announced that it would field 22 candidates
in the ensuing election to the State Assembly. The party also released its poll manifesto for the
purpose. Addressing a press conference here this afternoon, State CPM secretary Hemen Das said that
its main election plank this time is to make the people aware about the threat posed by communalism
to the people of the State. [AT]
RDA announces 1st list of 56 candidates
GUWAHATI, April 19: The Regional Democratic Alliance (RDA), consisting of nine political parties,
today announced a 56-member list of candidates for the ensuing Assembly election. Of the 56 seats,
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) would fight for 42 seats, while 14 have been given to Asom Jatio
Sanmilan (AJS) led by former home minister Bhrigu Kumar Phukan. [AT]
Cong to release list today
NEW DELHI, April 19: The Assam Congress party tonight managed to finalise its list of candidates for
the Assembly polls barring a few seats. The list is now likely to be released tomorrow. The Congress
party's list is tipped to hold quite a few surprise as lot of new faces have been fielded, keeping away
almost all of the tainted party men including at least six sitting MLAs. The notable among those have
been denied tickets included, Rashidul Haque and Shahidul Islam. The delay in finalising the list was
mainly because of a last hour decision of the AICC High Command to review the list of candidates. [AT]
Mahanta, 35 others file papers
GUWAHATI, April 19: Asom Gana Parishad president,
Prafulla Kumar Mahanta was among the 36 candidates who filed
nomination papers in different parts of the state today. Sri
Mahanta filed his paper as a candidate from Barhampur
constituency in Nagaon district. [AT]
Hailakandi LACs
178 poll centres 'hyper-sensitive'
HAILAKANDI, April 19: The preparations for holding free and
fair election in the three constituencies of Hailakandi district are
going on in full swing. Addressing a press conference here,
Deputy Commissioner, Sri Aloke Khare, informed that there are
463 polling stations in Katlicherra, Algapur and Hailakandi
Assembly constituencies in the district and among them 178
and 66 are 'hyper-sensitive' and 'sensitive' respectively. Giving
details about the voters, Sri Khare, who is also the returning
officer of Hailakandi and Algapur segments, said that the total
number of voters in Hailakandi district is 3,35,519. [AT]
Elaborate poll steps taken in Karimganj
HAILAKANDI, April 19: The District Administration of
Karimganj has made elaborate arrangements to hold free and fair
Assembly poll in the five segments of the district. These
segments are Ratabari, Patherkandi, North Karimganj, South
Karimganj and Badarpur. Sri Longki Phangcho, Deputy
Commissioner of Karimganj told The Assam Tribune that
directions have been issued to the police superintendents to
prepare a list of antisocial elements of the district consulting the
records of last three years. He said that the international border
in the district will be sealed before the poll. He further informed
that the district needs 11 companies of police forces to maintain
the law-and-order situation during the poll but the district at
present has only two companies. [AT]
List not yet announced
Gogoi keeps Cong workers guessing
GUWAHATI, April 20: The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president, Sri Tarun Gogoi today
failed to arrive here from New Delhi with the list of party candidates for the forthcoming polls. The list of
party nominees was reportedly approved by the high command yesterday night barring a few seats.
Sources in the party here informed that the Pradesh Congress president is supposed to land here
tomorrow and formally announce the names of the party candidates. It was learnt that APCC general
secretary, Sarat Borkotoky and Congress Legislature Party leader, Silvius Condpan today arrived from
New Delhi. Although both of them were actively involved in the process of selection of party nominees,
the party leaders and workers here failed to get the names of party candidates for all constituencies
from them. [AT]
Over 500 AGP workers join Cong in Gossaigaon sub-div
KOKRAJHAR, April 20: More than 500 AGP workers in
Gossaigaon sub-division under the leadership of Benjamin
Murmi, vice-president of Gossaigaon district AGP including the
president of Assam Santhal Sahitya Sabha (ASSS) have quit the
AGP and joined the Congress-I on Tuesday at the Srirampur
Congress-I office. Md Abdul Aziz Mia, president of Gossaigaon
Block Congress-I was present on the occasion. It may be noted
that the merger with the BJP, sexual allegations against
Backward Classes Minister Rajendra Mushahary, illegal
appointment of teachers, etc were the main causes for such a
move by the workers. Meanwhile, 103 AGP workers of Chitila
Anchalik Committee, led by Jyotish Barman, secretary of the
Committee have quit the party recently and joined the
Congress-I. The members decided that they will fully cooperate
with the Congress(I) in the forthcoming Assembly election,
Jyotish Barman informed. [AT]
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AGP and Congress suppoeters thronging the DC's court during submission of nimination papers of party candidates in the city
on April 20.
The Assam Tribune photo. |
Tea tribes to play crucial role
GOLAGHAT, April 20: Constituting 45 per cent of the total
electorate, the tea tribes are going to play a crucial role in the
ensuing Assembly poll in 93-Bokakhat Legislative Assembly
Constituency (LAC). The Bokakhat LAC has 94,966 voters out of
whom 49,611 are male and 45,355 are female. The breakup of
the electorate is: Tea garden labourers 44.77 per cent, Ahom
voters 25.43 per cent, Nepali 1.48 per cent, Muslim 3.18 per
cent, Bengali 5.63 per cent and others 7.51 per cent. The tea
garden labourers are always neglected by all the ruling parties,
but during election period, the same political parties go to them
with promises galore. This community still live in very deplorable
conditions even after 54 years of Independence. Majority of these
voters, who are traditionally Congress supporters, are living
without electricity, pure drinking water, primary education for
their children, health facilities, etc. They are being used only as
a vote-bank. [AT]
36 'hyper-sensitive' polling centres in Morigaon
MORIGAON, April 20: Along with other parts of Assam,
Morigaon district administration is all set for the ensuing
Assembly election of three LACs -- 79 Jagiroad (SC), 80
Morigaon and 81 Lahorighat -- according to Sri AS Tiwari, Deputy
Commissioner, Morigaon. Talking to pressmen on April 18, Sri
Tiwari said these are 415 polling stations in Morigaon district out
of which 36 are marked hyper-sensitive, 261 sensitive and 118
comparitively safe centres. In reply to a question, the DC said at
present four CRPF companies are engaged in duties and another
six companies plus one platoon of CRPF personnel will arrive
soon. [AT]
Pact with AGP evokes sharp reaction from BJP supporters
RANGIYA, April 20: Hundreds of BJP supporters of the
Rangiya sub-division are unhappy with the decision of party's
high command to forge a poll alliance with the State's ruling
Asom Gana Parishad (AGP). It has evoked a sharp reaction
among the BJP workers of Rangiya and they may even resign
from the primary membership following denial of ticket to the BJP
aspirants for Rangiya and Kamalpur LAC seats. A large number
of AGP workers are also not happy with the poll pact on the eve
of election. Most of the supporters of both the parties told to this
correspondent that they would support the Congress candidates. [AT]
UPF to contest in 12 constituencies |
