1.7 million expected to cast votes in Assam bypolls

1.7 million electors will seal the fate of eight candidates who are in the fray for the bypoll to Lakhimpur Lok Sabha constituency and Baithalangso assembly constituency slated for Saturday.

While the electorate for the Lakhimpur Lok Sabha constituency comprises 15,11,110 voters, a total of 1,80,203 voters would elect their candidate in Baithalangso legislative assembly constituency.

There are five candidates in the electoral fray for Lakhimpur Lok Sabha constituency. While the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party had fielded legislator Pradan Baruah, the Congress has put up senior party member Hema Hari Pegu. Besides, the Communist Party of India has fielded Amiya Kumar Handique while the Socialist Unity Centre of India has fielded Hem Kanta Miri.

Disgruntled BJP leader and former legislator from Doomdooma constituency, Dilip Moran has filed his nomination as an Independent candidate. Moran, who had lost in the assembly polls in April this year, had resigned from the party after the party denied him ticket for this election.

On the other hand, a total of three candidates are in the fray for the bypoll to Baithalangso. While the BJP has fielded Mansing Rongpi, the Congress has put up Rupon Sing Ronghang. Rajen Timung has also filed his nomination as Independent candidate.

While the Lakhimpur Lok Sabha seat fell vacant after sitting MP Sarbananda Sonowal resigned after becoming state Chief Minister, Baithalangso fell vacant after its legislator Mansing Rongpi resigned from the Congress and joined the BJP.