Congress releases first list of candidates

Shimla, Oct 21 (UNI) The Congress today released the first list of its candidates from three tribal constituencies of Lahaul Spiti, Kinnuar and Bharmaur in Himachal Pradesh that go to the polls in the first phase on November 14, party sources said.

While sitting legislators Thakur Singh Bharmauri from Bharmaur and Jagat Singh Negi from Kinnuar have been retained, sitting legislator from Lahaul Spiti Raghbir Singh Thakur has been replaced with former legislator Phung Chuk Rai.

The sources said the party usually allot ticket to candidates from Lahaul and Spiti Valleys alternatively with Mr Rai being given ticket this time as Mr Thakur, who is from Lahaul, was nominated party candidate last time.

The decision was taken by the party high command following its consulations with the state party leaders, the sources said, adding that the party was united under AICC president Sonia Gandhi.

The announcement has made the Congress the first party in the state to announce its candidates for the first phase of elections, while the BJP was likely to announce its candidates tomorrow.

UNI