Assam polls: Congress Seva Dal rues neglect in candidate selection

The Congress list of candidates for Assam continues to create discontent. The Assam Pradesh Congress Seva Dal on Thursday expressed unhappiness over the party leadership overlooking its demand for tickets to six of its volunteers who have been working sincerely in their constituencies.

"We proposed the names of six candidates for six constituencies to the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee, where there is a strong presence of the Seva Dal," a senior leader said.

"The first list of 65 candidates includes two of the constituencies. However, the party did not pay heed to our demands and gave tickets to other candidates," he said.

The Seva Dal proposed to the party that its volunteers be given party tickets in Dhubri, Golakganj, Bilasipara (East), Chenga, Borkhola and Dhekiajuli.

The party named Rumi Nath for Borkhola and Habul Chakraborty Dhekiajuli, without paying heed to the demands of the Seva Dal.

"Seva Dal is the backbone of the party and we have substantial presence in Dhubri, Golakganj, Bilasipara (East), Chenga, Borkhola and Dhekiajuli, and our candidates in these constituencies could win for sure," the leader said.

The Congress' first list also denied tickets to Sarat Saikia and Amia Gogoi, sitting legislators from Mahmora and Duliajan, respectively.

Saikia, who has been retaining the Mahmora seat for three consecutive terms, has decided to contest the polls as an independent candidate.