Congress releases first list of 42 candidates for Assam Assembly polls

Assam Congress President and MP Gaurav Gogoi to contest from Jorhat Assembly Constituency

Congress on Tuesday released the first list of 42 candidates for Assam Assembly polls.

Assembly elections in the state are expected to be held in March-April.

Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi to contest upcoming state Assembly polls from Jorhat seat.

The leader of the opposition in the state assembly, Debabrata Saikia, will contest from the family stronghold of Nazira, which he has represented since 2016. His father, former chief minister Hiteswar Saikia, and his mother, Hemoprava Saikia, previously represented the constituency.

Three sitting MLAs -- Nandita Das from Hajo-Sualkuchi, Diganta Barman from Barkhetry and Nurul Huda from Rupohihat -- have also been included in the list.

Presently, the ruling BJP's strength in the 126-member assembly is 64, while its allies AGP has nine MLAs, UPPL has seven and BPF has three members.

In the opposition camp, the Congress has 26 MLAs, AIUDF has 15 members and CPI(M) has one MLA. There is an Independent legislator as well.

(With PTI inputs)