Cong issues whip to ensure smooth sailing for MMS in RS poll

Guwahati, May 30: The

on Wednesday issued a whip to its legislators in the Assam assembly to prevent possibility of cross-voting for the two

seats, one of which is being contested by Prime Minister

.

[Read: PM's victory certain]

Issuing the whip means 79 Congress and 15 ally MLAs would be required to show their marked ballots to the polling agent to dismiss fear that they might vote against the party's candidate. Opposition parties AGP and BJP would abstain from voting.

The Congress decided to issue the whip after it failed to convince All India United Democratic Front, its opposition in Guwahati but ally at the Centre, not to filed a candidate against Singh, who is seeking a fifth term from Assam. It also seems to be an effort to secure the other seat from the fallout of dissidence within. Several MLAs legislators have criticized the Congress for fielding newcomer Santiuse Kujur.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Nilamoni Sen Deka, however, said that the Congress not worried about dissidence in the party. He said the party has enlisted 49 legislators to vote for Singh and 45 for Kujur.

OneIndia News