Congress leader Baghel alleges Himanta-AIUDF ‘alliance’ in Nagaon bypoll

AICC General Secretary and Assam in-charge Bhupesh Baghel on September 21 alleged that an understanding between Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal was visible in the ongoing Nagaon electoral contest.

Speaking in Nagaon, Baghel said, “Right now, elections are underway here in Nagaon, and the alliance between Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal is visible here.”

Baghel, however, did not elaborate on the specific instances he was referring to.

His remarks come amid the ongoing political contest in Nagaon, where the Congress and BJP-led alliance are campaigning for support.

Meanwhile, the Congress has named 40 leaders, including senior party figures and Assam leaders, as its star campaigners for the October 6 Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election.

The list was submitted to the Election Commission by Congress general secretary K C Venugopal on September 16 under Section 77(1) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

Among the prominent names are Chhattisgarh's former chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, Assam Congress president Gaurav Gogoi, Congress MP Wazed Ali Choudhury, former Assam minister Rakibul Hussain, party spokesperson Pawan Khera, Supriya Shrinate, NSUI national president Uday Bhanu Chib and Congress leader Kanhaiya Kumar.

The list also includes Assam Congress Legislative Party leader Debabrata Saikia, former state Congress president Ripun Bora, former minister Paban Singh Ghatowar, Alka Lamba, Imran Pratapgarhi, Srinivas BV and former Tripura minister Sudip Roy Barman.

Polling for the by-election is scheduled for October 6, while counting of votes will be held on October 9.