Ex-insurgents and millionaires to contest in Assam polls

Guwahati, Mar 26: The coming Assembly election in Assam will see an array of former ULFA insurgents and millionaires like Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi fighting it out in the first phase poll on April 4.

The former ULFA leaders included two militants who won as independents in the last election and three other surrendered leaders of the banned outfit.

The two independent legislators contesting for the third time are Jiten Gogoi and Kushal Duwori from Bokakhat and Thowra constituencies respectively. They are former ULFA leaders who have surrendered before the government.

The three others are also former ULFA leaders who surrendered before the government 10 years ago.

The ULFA leaders trying out their electoral fortunes include Suresh Bora as Congress candidate from Barhampur, Prafulla Bora alias Dhekial Phukan as NCP contestant from Bihpuria and Jayanta Khound, fighting independently from Naoboicha.

Suresh Bora told the media that his former ULFA connection would not affect his electoral prospect as he had come to the mainstream and was given a Congress ticket to contest.

At least six ''crorepatis'' will also fight the election which included Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, a Congress nominee, and one of the Asom Gana Parishad.

As per the affidavit filed along with the nomination papers, Tarun Gogoi has immovable property worth Rs 3.65 crore and movable assets of Rs 35 lakh, totalling Rs 4 crore.

PTI