Stage set for Manmohan's reelection to RS in May 24 polls

New Delhi, Apr 30 (UNI) The stage is set for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to be elected to the Rajya Sabha from Asom for the fourth consecutive time in biennial polls to two seats from the state to be held on May 24.

A bypoll will also take place on that day to fill the seat fallen vacant in West Bengal due to the death of CPI(M) MP Chittabrata Majumdar, the Election Commission announced today.

The notification for these elections will be issued on May 7, last date of filing nominations is May 14 and scrutiny will take place on May 15.

The last date for withdrawal of candidature is May 17 and if required the poll will be held on May 24.

The counting of votes will take place from 1700 hours of May 24 and the date before which the election process shall be completed is fixed for May 28, the release added.

Bickering has started for the second seat from Asom which will fall vacant when state BJP leader Indramoni Bora's term expires.

With 53 seats in the 126-member Assembly, the ruling Congress has enough votes to ensure Dr Singh his fourth Rajya Sabha term from the state.

Added to the 53 votes are the 12 seats of the Bodoland People's Progressive Front (Hagrama Mohilary faction) and one from the NCP, which are already a part of the ruling Congress-led alliance in the state.

Even though the announcement is yet to be made officially, the Congress insiders have hinted that Dr Singh is certain to be reelected to the Rajya Sabha.

However, a tussle is on the cards for the second seat, currently being held by the BJP.

Despite being the single largest party in the Opposition camp, it will not be easy for the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) to have an edge without the support from the Asom United Democratic Front (AUDF) and BJP, having ten seats each.

Having 24 votes, the AGP is already on the job to seek support from the Opposition camp.

UNI