SILCHAR, Sept 30 - Fur candidates from different political parties filed their nominations for the ensuing byelection at Ratabari (SC reserved) Assembly constituency under Karimganj district slated to be held on October 21.
Being the final day for filing nomination papers, candidates belonging to the BJP, Indian National Congress, SUCI and an Independent were upbeat with enthusiasm as they approached the Returning Officer�s room amidst cheers from their supporters.
The candidates in the fray include Keshab Prasad Rajok (Indian National Congress), Bijoy Malakar (BJP), Birendra Robidas (SUCI) and Porikshit Roy (Independent). Interestingly, the AIUDF did not field any candidate for the bypoll.
The nomination papers can be withdrawn till October 3, sources informed.
Top leaders of the principal political parties including the BJP State president Ranjit Kumar Dass, Forest and Environment Minister Parimal Suklabaidya, Ratabari MP Kripanath Mallah, MP Mangoldoi Dilip Saikia, Patharkandi MLA Krishnendu Paul, former Karimganj MLA Mission Ranjan Das and others. For the Congress candidate, North Karimganj MLA Kamalakshya Dey Purakayastha, APCC secretary Sanjib Roy and others echoed voices of support during the filing of nomination.
On being asked whether the absence of AIUDF from the contest shall impact the results, State BJP chief Ranjit Dass said that the pact between the Congress and the AIUDF is an open one. However, the BJP shall stamp its victory in the byelection and all efforts shall be pitched in to keep the development spree uninterrupted.
On the other hand, the Congress leaders were confident about their win as they argued that the present Government has deprived Barak Valley in all spheres. Congress is an organised party which has always raised voices against injustice of all kinds meted out to the people. The Ratabari constituency has remained ignored for many years now. The prevailing factors along with the closure of the two Paper Mills in the State shall reflect in the bypoll results, the Congress leadership maintained.
Meanwhile, Sunil Kumar Naik, IAS has reached the border district as the Election Observer to monitor the poll preparations and proceedings.
