Keen contest in Guwahati East

Guwahati, Mar 31 (UNI) The battle for the elections to the prestigious Guwahati East constituency to determine the fate of 12 candidates will be decided on April 3.

Political observers say the fight for the seat would mainly be between four candidates--three nominated from major political parties and an independent.

The main fight would be between Congress nominee Captain Robin Bordoloi, AGP's Birendra Prashad Baishya, BJP's Ramen Deka and independent candidate Biraj Kumar Sarma. Mr Bordoloi is a former minister and sitting MLA from Dispur constituency.

His father Gopinath Bordoloi was the first Chief Minister of Asom. He commands respect for being one of the noted sports organisers of the state.

Mr Baishya, who is contesting for the first time here, said people would vote for him as he could manage more funds for the development of the constituency from the Centre, being a former Union Minister.

He also assured the voters of providing employment opportunities, resolving water logging, issue of permanent land pattas and removal of transport bottlenecks.

Mr Baishya was given the AGP ticket, over party's vice-president Biraj Kumar Sarma, who is contesting as an independent. Mr Sarma won twice from here and is a veteran leader of the Asom movement.

Mr Sarma has had close contacts with the people from the time of the foreigners' movement and is trying his best to retain the seat for the third time.

BJP candidate Ramen Deka has had a very extensive campaign, especially door-to-door, and the party is highlighting the failures of the Congress and the AGP to muster support.

UNI AB SP/TJP LR RK1010