Assam election parleys gain momentum

Guwahati, Mar 9 (ANI): With only a day left for issuing of notification for the first phase of election in 62 Assembly constituencies of Assam, hectic parleys are continuing within the political parties for deciding candidates and poll alliances.

The regional party Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) has struck a poll deal with the Bodoland peoples Progressive Front (BPPF) in some constituencies of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) districts and adjusted some seats with the Gana Shakti party.

The AGP has also declared four more names of candidates. With this, the party has so far announced its candidates for 70 seats against the total of 126 seats in the State Assembly.

However, Congress has finalized a panel of candidates against 70 constituencies from where several aspirants have sought tickets.

The tentative list will now be finalized in the election committee meeting of the AICC to be held in New Delhi March 12.

Meanwhile, the Assam Government has made some bureaucratic reshuffle after the visit of the full Election Commission on Tuesday.

The Deputy Commissioner of Kamrup (Metro) and the Karbi Anglong have been transferred. Similarly, the Superintendents of Police of Kamrup (Rural) and Golaghat districts have also been transferred.

The Election Commission on Tuesday said it is satisfied with the security arrangements in Assam and is optimistic that the state Assembly elections will be fair and peaceful.

"We are very optimistic about free, fair and peaceful polls in Assam. I am very satisfied with the law and order arrangements. It is very good. Our comfort level is very high with their preparedness," said Chief Election Commissioner S Y Quraishi.

The full team of Election Commission also reviewed the law and order situation with the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary and Director General of Police.

"We had individual meetings with the political parties which mostly raised the issues about polling stations, security forces and the need of CCTV in sensitive booths," Quraishi said.

Altogether 137 officers who were posted in their home districts against EC rules will have to be transferred, Quraishi said.

Elections will be held in Assam on 4 and 11 April in two phases for the 126 member state assembly.

Besides Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry would hold provincial polls between April 4 and May 10.

For the first time, overseas Indian citizens of Assam can also enroll themselves as voters and will be able to vote.