The Congress party’s position in Assam’s high-profile Jalukbari constituency remains intact after initial media reports suggesting its candidate’s nomination had been rejected triggered confusion.
During scrutiny conducted by the Election Commission of India on Tuesday, one of the nomination papers filed by Congress candidate Bidisha Neog was rejected. However, Neog had submitted two nomination papers, and her second nomination has been accepted, keeping her firmly in the electoral fray.
Taking to Facebook, Neog issued a clarification, stating that while one of her nominations was indeed rejected, the other was valid and accepted. She emphasised that she continues to remain an active candidate in the election, countering reports that suggested her disqualification.
Some media outlets had reported only the rejection of one nomination without noting the acceptance of the other, leading to the impression that the Congress had been knocked out of the Jalukbari contest.
The constituency remains a key political battleground, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma seeking re-election. Sarma had filed three nomination papers, all of which have been accepted.
As it stands, the Jalukbari seat will see a triangular contest between Himanta Biswa Sarma, Congress candidate Bidisha Neog, and Independent candidate Dipika Das.
Election authorities confirmed that 18 nomination papers across parties have been rejected so far, with scrutiny still underway. Officials have not yet disclosed the specific reasons for the rejections.
The Assam Assembly elections have drawn significant participation, with 1,389 nomination papers filed by over 815 candidates for the 126-member Legislative Assembly.
Polling is scheduled for April 9, with counting set for May 4. Candidates can withdraw their nominations until March 26, after which the final list of contestants will be confirmed.
With the confusion in Jalukbari clarified, the focus now shifts back to what promises to be a closely watched contest in one of Assam’s most politically significant constituencies.
