Assam to witness rare solar eclipse

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Assam to witness rare solar eclipse
Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, April 29 – Assam is preparing to view the longest duration total solar eclipse that was last visible in the State way back in 1840 and would not be visible again in the State in the coming 900 years. The Department of Science and Technology, Government of Assam is supporting the massive plans of Guwahati Planetarium and Pragjyotish Amateur Astronomers Association to kindle the interest of the public in this celestial spectacle and encourage them to view the total solar eclipse through safe methods.

It needs to be mentioned here that this phenomenon of total solar eclipse was visible in the last century from Indian soil in the years 1980, 1995 and 1999. However these solar eclipses were not visible in totality from the North East including Assam.

This total solar eclipse that will be visible from Assam is going to occur on July 22 in the early morning and its duration would be for more than four minutes.

The government is going to launch a mass awareness campaign very soon to remove the superstition associated with the celestial spectacles and is going to distribute solar filters to all the schools in the State for viewing of the solar eclipse.

An official of Guwahati Planetarium, Babul Chandra Bora informed that thousands of solar filters have already been procured and several thousand more will be obtained soon. “We have decided to launch an awareness campaign so that people do not miss this rare opportunity to view the longest duration total solar eclipse,” he said, adding that myths and superstitions keep the people away from viewing such rare phenomenon.

On May 11 and 12, a master resource person training programme would be held at Guwahati Planetarium which will be followed by training of resource persons at the district level. “At the district level, we will mainly train the school teachers,” said Bora. The training will be given by clustering two or three districts.

The Guwahati Planetarium is buoyed by this phenomenon that would occur in the year that coincides with the 400 anniversary of the use of telescope by Galileo and the International Year of Astronomy declared by the UNESCO.

“Our target group also includes the rural folks as superstition is highly prevalent in the countryside,” said Bora mentioning that to create awareness amongst the rural masses about this coming phenomenon the electronic media would be used.

Three Bangladeshis arrested

From a Correspondent
DHUBRI, April 26: Three Bangladeshi nationals identified as Nalum Mohammad (60), Talu Sheikh (55) and Anwar Hussain (40) have been apprehended by 29 Bn Border Security Force from Indo-Bangla international border under Dhubri district today.
These Bangladeshi nationals hail from Balahat village under Kurigram district of Bangladesh. BSF also seized eight cattle from them, a BSF source informed. THE SENTINEL

Villagers protest arrest of MULTA cadre
From a Correspondent
DHUBRI, April 26: Nearly 200 villagers of Tokkreswara and its nearby village thronged Golokganj police station protesting against the arrest of one MULTA cadre, Abdul Malik Sheikh (24), with an IED weighing 6 kg today.
Abdul was arrested from Tokkreswara village in a joint operation by Police and 21 Jat Regiment yesterday. After interrogation by the army at the Agomoni camp, Abdul Malik Sheikh was handed over to Golokganj police yesterday itself.
But since morning today, villagers started gathering at the premises of Golokganj police station and demanded unconditional release of Abdul Malik Sheikh. He was booked under explosive act, police sources informed. THE SENTINEL

Security tight as Rahul visits Sikkim

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Security tight as Rahul visits Sikkim

Gangtok, April 25: Elaborate security arrangements has been made ahead of the maiden visit of Rahul Gandhi to Sikkim on Saturday, police said yesterday.
The Congress National General Secretary will address a public meeting at Paljor Stadium at 10 am today.

The venue of the meeting and other places enroute to his visit has been thoroughly sensitised and adequate policemen deployed as a security measure, Superintendent of Police (East) M S Tuli told here.

The young Amethi MP will arrive here today morning by a helicopter before flying back to other destinations for canvassing in favour of Congress candidates.

Source: http://www.zeenews.com/election09/story.aspx?aid=526480

Election in Meghalaya

Congress hunt for ‘like-minded’ parties on

SHILLONG: In spite of being cold-shouldered by UDP, NCP and HSPDP, Congress continues to nourish the hope of heading a new government with support of what it calls like-minded parties, especially UDP.

Congress feels that all like-minded parties, including UDP, NCP and HSPDP, should join hands to form a government for the sake of political stability as well as development of the State.

Senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister Salseng C Marak on Thursday said he would try his best to negotiate with like-minded parties on formation of a government to end President's rule in the State.

Congress on Wednesday entrusted Mr Marak with the task of holding negotiations with other parties, although UDP, NCP and HSPDP have already made it clear that they would not like to betray MPA by joining forces with Congress.

Mr Marak believes that his friendship with new UDP Parliamentary Party leader JD Rymbai would help in stitching up a Congress-UDP alliance.

"UDP and Congress had worked together before. I see no problem in Congress and UDP coming together to provide a stable government in the State. JD Rymbai is one of my good friends and I will try my best to convince my friends in UDP and other like-minded parties, including NCP and HSPDP, to support Congress in formation of a new government," the veteran Congress leader said.

It may be noted here that Mr Marak had managed to run the Congress-led coalition government as Chief Minister for its full five-year term from 1993 to 1998.

Echoing similar views, Congress vice president and CLP spokesperson Dr Roytre C Laloo said Mr Marak had been asked to initiate talks with all like-minded friends, not just UDP.

"Congress has no problem working with other parties. Meghalaya is a small state, and we need political stability for its development," Dr Laloo said.

Reacting to NCP's and HSPDP's comments that they would not accept the Congress offer, he said, "I wonder as to why NCP cannot work with Congress in Meghalaya. In other states like Maharashtra and Goa and also at the Centre, NCP has worked with Congress."THE SHILLONG TIMES

Cong threatens legal action against Hoping Stone

Congress has threatened legal action against HSPDP president Hoping Stone Lyngdoh for accusing Congress of offering him Rs 1.5 core in return for his support to a possible Congress-led Government in the State.

Terming Mr Lyngdoh's allegation as "unfortunate and deceitful," MPCC general secretary Waibha K Kyndiah, in a statement issued here on Thursday, said his party might initiate legal action against the HSPDP chief if he failed to come clean on the charge he had levelled against Congress.

"Mr Lyngdoh's allegation against Congress is baseless and ambiguous. It is intended to tarnish the image of Congress. Congress is on a strong footing in Meghalaya and there is no need for it to buy any members of the State Legislative Assembly," Mr Kyndiah said. THE SHILLONG TIMES

UDP for Cong sans Lapang, Mukul

SHILLONG: The recent election of a new UDP Parliamentary Party leader appears to have had a ripple effect on Congress, too.

In a bid to convince UDP to support a possible Congress-led coalition government, a number of Congress legislators are trying to find a party man who can replace DD Lapang as the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader, although the job could be quite tough in view of the close rapport that Mr Lapang has with AICC leaders.

The names of senior party leader Rowell Lyngdoh and CLP spokesperson Dr Roytre C Laloo as the successor to Mr Lapang are doing the rounds.

According to sources, it could be difficult for Congress to win the support of UDP because of the reported displeasure among a section of UDP legislators with Mr Lapang continuing as the CLP leader.

Sources on Thursday said most UDP legislators had unofficially expressed their willingness to work out the modalities for formation of an alternate popular government in the State, provided Congress changed its legislature party leader.

"A Congress-UDP alliance can be realised only if it does not include Mr Lapang and Dr Mukul Sangma," a senior UDP leader told The Shillong Times on Thursday, adding the issue could come up during future negotiation between the two parties for the proposed government formation.

The Congress camp is presently divided between those legislators who are in favour of senior leader Rowell Lyngdoh as the new CLP leader and others, especially those from Jaintia Hills, who want Dr Roytre C Laloo to be the CLP leader.

Mr Lapang is, however, trying hard to strengthen his hold on the party by stating that he still enjoys support of the majority of the 26 party legislators. He has also claimed to have got the support of the four disqualified legislators - Paul Lyngdoh, Sanbor Shullai, Limison Sangma and Ismail Marak.

Congress sources said in the event of Mr Lapang losing the grip on his party legislators in his attempt to form a new government, he might even try to project his close confidante and State Congress president Friday Lyngdoh as his replacement, although such a move is likely to find no takers among party legislators.

Further, the election of JD Rymbai as the new UDP Parliamentary Party leader is being seen by many as a clear sign of UDP's strong opposition to any alliance led by Mr Lapang. Mr Rymbai and Mr Lapang had fought a bitter political battle in the past which culminated in the removal of the former from chief ministership in March 2007 and his subsequent resignation from Congress. THE SHILLONG TIMES

Assam Election, Manmohan Singh, wife cast votes in Guwahati

Assam Election

Guwahati: Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh accompanied by wife Gursharan Kaur flew down from New Delhi to cast their votes here at 11-40 A.M. sharp as per the schedule on Thursday.

Dr Singh and his wife were the 258th and 259th voters to exercise their franchise at Polling Station number 156 at Dispur Government High School where total 1138 voters are expected to cast their votes.

"I am feeling great for being able to come here to cast my vote. No, I am not at all tense about Congress' chances in the second phase polls," Dr Singh told the media after casting his vote. A beaming Gursharan Kaur also said that she was feeling equally great after casting the vote. THE SENTINEL

Lok Sabha Election in Tripura

Election in Tripura

Voting peaceful in Tripura

Agartala: After last Assembly election last year, this is second time Tripura witnessed peaceful voting. With moderate voting in the morning, the day witnessed about 75-78 percent polling till the end.

However, in some places of the state, the voting went beyond 5.30 pm. Reports from all the subdivisions show that moderate voting was recorded in all polling booths.

People were not seen much enthusiastic in this Lok Sabha polls in casting their votes. With the progress of the day, less number of voters in comparison to the number in the morning cast votes.

This time the number of booths was 3008 and total electorates were 10, 93,799 for West Tripura and 9, 88,466 for East Tripura Parliamentary seats. Out of total 3008 booths, 79 were of Z category and 434 were Y categories posing a great challenge to security forces.

However, no untoward incident was reported from any part of the state. THE SHILLONG TIMES

Low turnout in Assam, Assam Election News updates

Assam Lok Sabha Election
GUWAHATI, April 23: Barring a few stray incidents, polling was peaceful in 11 Lok Sabha constituencies in Asom that registered an average 62 per cent turnout, said Asom Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Hemanta Narzary in a statement today. The CEO said the voters did not cast a single vote in as many as 12 polling stations in the State. He said repolls would be held in nine polling stations.

According to the CEO, 65.3 per cent of voters turned out in Kokrajhar, 64.64 per cent in Dhubri, 62.7 per cent in Barpeta, 56.2 per cent in Guwahati, 60 per cent in Mangaldai, 62.8 per cent in Tezpur, 63.2 per cent in Nagaon, 60.4 per cent in Koliabor, 59.7 per cent in Jorhat, 62.8 per cent in Dibrugarh and 61 per cent Lakhimpur constituencies.

The 12 polling stations where voters refrained from casting votes, according the CEO, are No. 23 South Udalguri LP School, No. 1 Sasagaon MV School, No. 5 Futakibari LP School, No. 8 and 9 Hazirapara LP School, No. 17 Bhalukmari LP School in Bilasipara; No. 44 Sapara in Tezpur; No. 16 Hinjugaon in Mergherita; No. 83 Keseruguri LP School and No. 167 Kherkota High School in Dhakuakhana.

The CEO further said as many as 13 electronic voting machines (EVMs) had to be replaced due to technical snags. THE SENTINEL

PM casts vote in Guwahati, confident of Congress win
GUWAHATI, April 23: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who cast his vote at polling station No. 156 at Dispur Government HS School here today, said a Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government would be formed at the Centre once again.
“The Congress in Asom will win with a thumping majority and there will be a Congress-led United Progressive Alliance Government at the Centre,” Singh told journalists soon after casting his vote along with his wife Gursharan Kaur.

“I am really excited to be back home and cast my vote. It is the duty of all Indians to exercise their franchise,” the Prime Minister said. Asked if the Congress would consider a post-poll tie-up with Left parties, Singh refrained from making any comment. Hundreds of people lined up the streets leading to the polling station in Dispur Government Higher Secondary School where Singh and his wife cast their votes. He arrived at the school at 11.35 am. His serial No. in the voters list was 726 and that of his wife was 727. When the Prime Minister arrived at the poll station, there were six or seven voters in the queue, and the Prime Minister and his wife stood in the queue and cast their votes. He was hardly there for ten minutes.

Heavy security arrangements had been made at the school where even its Principal Bilibala Devi was not allowed to enter when the Prime Minister was there. The Principal of the school, who is a voter in Nagaon, opted not to go to Nagaon to cast her vote only to inform the Prime Minister of the problems of the school like lack of staff, permanent library, toilet facilities in the school campus outside the school building etc. The school was established in 1974. The Prime Minister did not go to his rented home at Sorumotoria.

Earlier, Dr Singh was received at Khanapara by Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and other APCC office-bearers. He left for New Delhi after casting his vote. THE SENTINEL

Rigging by Congress alleged
GUWAHATI, April 23: The second phase of the 15th Lok Sabha elections, which were held in several Lok Sabha constituencies of the State, saw the two main Opposition parties — the AGP and the BJP — make allegations of poll-rigging against the ruling Congress party.
Talking to mediapersons, BJP founder leader and former Union Minister Kabindra Purakayastha said, “After a 25 years, anti-Congress winds are being felt in the State. The Opposition is hopeful of a favourable verdict by the electorate. As a result, the party had to resort to poll-booth rigging and other unlawful activities.”
Alleging incidents of poll-booth rigging, the BJP has demanded repolling in several poll booths of the State. BJP spokesperson Pradip Thakuria said, “Cases of rigging and other anomalies have been registered at a few polling stations in Paneri LAC under Mangoldoi Lok Sabha constituency. The polling stations where discrepancies have been registered are polling stations No. 49, 54, 73 and 78. We have already submitted a written complaint to the Election Commission to this effect.”
The BJP further alleged that the Congress candidate for the Guwahati Lok Sabha seat Captain Robin Bordoloi had forcibly taken a few papers from polling stations No. 151 and 152 at Piyali Phukan Road at Chandmari in Guwahati after threatening the poll officials who were on duty there. “We have made a complaint about the entire incident to the Election Commission,” Thakuria said.
The BJP spokesperson alleged that Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had entered into a secret meeting with traders of Fancy Bazaar last night, thereby trying to influence people even after the end of the campaigning period. “Yesterday, Himanta Biswa Sarma had met traders of the Fancy Bazaar area at around 8:30 pm in the evening. We knew that such a meeting would take place and had also intimidated the Election Commission. We have no information about the action taken by the Election Commission.”
Party sources predict victory for the AGP-BJP combine in as many as eight Lok Sabha constituencies of the State. AGP and BJP sources feel that the BJP would win in Guwahati, Nagaon, Mangoldoi, Silchar and Jorhat Lok Sabha constituencies, while the AGP would win in Barpeta, Lakhimpur and Dibrugarh constituencies.”
Similar views were echoed by AGP president Chandra Mohan Patowary who felt that the public’s verdict would shatter Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi’s vanity. He said, “The Congress has resorted to rigging in several Lok Sabha constituencies of the State. The Congress has already accepted defeat due to which they have now resorted to booth capturing and other unscrupulous activities.” THE SENTINEL

Violence marks polls in State
GUWAHATI, April 23: Stray incidents marked the second and final phase of Lok Sabha elections in Asom today. While AUDF’s Goalpara district committee president Ganesh Hazarika was shot dead by two motorcycle-borne miscreants at Duapara in Goalpara today, the body of Dhigaldubi AGP office-bearer in Raha, Jadav Das, was found today. Das was missing since last night.
According to reports, while seven BPPF workers sustained injuries in a clash with BPF supporters at Panbari in Gossaingaon, two BPF workers —Rupaban Basumatary and Jyotish Mushahary — were held for rigging at Sanfanguri. There was a clash between ABSU and BPF workers at Tipkai under Gauripur police station. A security personnel of a central poll observer was attacked at Mukalmua in Nalbari and three persons were held in this connection.
In a clash between AGP-BJP and AUDF workers, a BJP worker was seriously injured at Shyamtilla under Kalaigaon police station in Mangaldai, while two AUDF workers were held on the charge of distributing cash among the voters at Saplanghata in Goalpara.
The security personnel of Barpeta AUDF candidate Abdul Samad was held on the charge of campaigning for Samad.
Elsewhere in the State, a presiding officer was allegedly beaten up by Congress workers at Japara in Nalbari and five BPF workers were beaten up by the public at Kalipukhuri in Kokrajhar. THE SENTINEL

AGP leader arrested
GUWAHATI, April 23: AGP leader Pushpa Deka was arrested today on charges on violation of the standing rules of the Election Commission, even as the AGP demanded his immediate release from police custody. Pushpa Deka had fought the 2006 Assembly elections from Jalukbari constituency. There are allegations that several Congress workers started casting random votes at the Dolibari Polling Station in Jalukbari LAC towards the concluding hours of today’s polls, resulting in a tense situation at the polling station. At that moment, Pushpa Deka entered the polling station and picked up a fight with the polling officers. Deka was subsequently arrested by the police and was yet to be freed till the filing of this report.
The AGP has strongly condemned Pushpa Deka’s arrest. Demanding repolls in the particular polling booth and Pushpa Deka’s immediate release, AGP spokesperson Manoj Saikia said, “Pushpa Deka was unfortunately arrested while trying to stop Congress activists from booth capturing. He should be released immediately.” THE SENTINEL

Election in Guwahati

Mixed turnout of voters
GUWAHATI, April 23: The shops and business establishments remained close today as an automatic response to the Lok Sabha polls followed by the vehicles in the city which had created a large-scale transportation chaos. A section had closed their shops and business establishments to go to cast their votes, while the other section kept those closed seeing no hope of customers’ flow, but interestingly they even did not go for casting their votes.

In the beginning, the flow of voters to the polling centres of Guwahati HPC, that comes within the city area, was low attributed to the weather; but the flow went up as the weather improved.
Contrary to the above, in four polling centres at Ganeshnagar in Basishtha area, an area inhabited by varied communities, enthusiasm on the part of voters was to bee seen from the very morning notwithstanding the adverse weather conditions. Even the polling officials and police expressed their satisfaction over the total turnout.

At a polling centre at Narakasur in Kahilipara, untoward situation was about to be started over voters’ identity card. But, by the due intervention of police, the situation became normal. THE SENTINEL

Normal life disrupted due to polls

GUWAHATI, April 23: Normal life has been disrupted due to Lok Sabha polls today. The streets wore unprecedented silence attributed to the acute shortage of buses. In view of the Lok Sabha polls, buses had been requisitioned by the authorities at a large scale. There were also shortage of rickshaws and autorickshaws on the streets of the city today. Taking full advantage of the situation, the fare of both rickshaws and autorickshaws had been hiked due to which the common people had to suffer a lot.
According to sources, around 700 city buses ply in the city at a regular basis. But this time, buses have been requisitioned that stands at 90 per cent. Similarly, in the Kamrup district, 205 numbers of buses, 14 numbers of minibuses and 119 numbers of small vehicles had been requisitioned which added woes to the suffering of the common people in the district. THE SENTINEL

Election in Barpeta

Barpeta Election
BARPETA, April 23: Over 62.69 per cent polling was recorded in Barpeta HPC that concluded today. The polling was by large peaceful in the minority areas except for a few small incidents. The poll percentage of the town areas were though very poor. Although it was cloudy in the first half of the day, later on the weather became clear and voters thronged polling booths after that. At Barpeta LAC- 62.48 per cent, Chenga LAC-65.07 per cent, Jania-65.97 per cent, Baghbar-66.58 per cent, Sarukshetri-60.02 per cent, Patacharkuchi-48 per cent, Bongaigaon-62 per cent, Abhayapuri-North-72 per cent, Abhayapuri South--655, Dharmapur-59.76 per cent votes were casted today.

According to the report, at Bahari Balak MV school polling centre under Chenga LAC, the CISF had to laathi-charge to control the move of voters. On the other hand, at Chapra LP school under Jania gaon Panchayat under Jania LAC a quarrel took place between the supporters of Congress and AUDF as one, Rahim Khan persuaded AUDF supporters to vote for Congress.
Two supporters of AUDF –Jakir Hussain and Jammaluddin were injured in the scuffle. At Howly Gandharipara LP school, one Nayeb Ali, husband of Rashminara Begum and a member of Zila parishad wanted to break the rule of the polling centre by overtaking the line of the people. At this the people got enraged and were about to attack on him but the PSO fired four blank rounds in order to control the situation. Later on, the situation was tackled by the police. On the other hand, there was a slight repercussion regarding not listing of the names of the voters in between Balapara village and Sonkuchi Colony under Barpeta LAC. In the Town Girls’ MV school under Barpeta LAC, the polling had to be stopped for 15 minutes as one, Dipitara Das casted the vote for Jupitar Das’s vote but later on the situation was tackled. THE SENTINEL

Assam Election News Updates

Chief administrator arrested
From our correspondent
DIBRUGARH, April 23: The Chief administrator of Dibrugarh Municipality Board, Bitul Talukdar, and a few other former ward commissioners of the board were detained by the police on charges of issuing Permanent Resident Certificates to the voters. When the matter was brought to the notice of the election observer, it was reported to the Deputy Commissioner Gynanendra Dev Tripathi, who issued an order to arrest Bitul Talukdar.

Election peaceful in Udulguri
Our correspondent
UDALGURI, April 23: The election held peacefully in Udalguri district with no major incident reported so far. 75% people turn out to cast their vote in the area. Long lines were to be see in various polling booths since the morning. The BPF candidate may face a tough challenge from AGP BJP alliance and the Congress.

AUDF alleges foul play
From a Correspondent
BOXIRHAT, April 23: Though the election has passed yesterday the AUDF supporters are crying foul play against some government officials of illegally working for the Congress in Golokganj LAC under No 4 Dhubri HPC. Disobeying the election commission some govt employees particularly teachers are working and campaigning in Congress party office till the day before election as alleged by the AUDF supporters. AUDF further alleged that a huge number of govt employees had been engaged by the Congress for campaigning. AUDF has demanded a high level enquiry in this regard.

66.6% turn out in Biswanath
From our Correspondent
BISWANATH CHARIALI, April 23: The Poll in the Biswanath and Behali LACs under Tezpur HPC passed off peacefully today. According to Control Room sources at the SDO(C) office 65.5 percent average voting has been recorded in the Biswanath LAC while 67.7 per cent voting recorded in the Behali LAC till 4 pm. The overall percentage of both the LAC stands at 66.6 per cent. It is worth mentioning that due to snag in a EVM in the 102 Lakhidhar MV School under Biswanath LAC the voting was interrupted for around one hour which was immediately replaced by the Election Office.

Poll official suspended
From our Correspondent
BOKAKHAT, April 23: One Ashim Bora, an assistant teacher of Bokakaht Girls High School was suspended for playing an active role in election campaign for the AGP.

KNP to close from May 1
From our Correspondent
BOKAKHAT, April 23: Kaziranga National Park will remain closed for the visitors from May 1 until further order. The Park collected about Rs 1.15 crore in this year in 6 months.

Polling peaceful in Jorhat
From Our Correspondent
JORHAT, April 23: Over 61% polling was recorded in the Jorhat Lok sabha constituency today. With the exception of a few stray incident the polling was peaceful , said Jorhat HPC returning officer L S Changsan. She said that, the actual voter turnout might be more after the arrival of all EVMs from remote polling stations of the constituency. As per the legislative assembly constituency (LAC), that comprised the Jorhat HPC the polling was recorded as Jorhat 57.84, Titabor 61.26, Teok 62, Mariani 62.62, Sivasagar 60, Amguri 56.01, Sonari 59.12, Thaura 58.83, Mahmora 54.95 and Nazira 64 per cent. In the 2004 LS poll the voter turnout in the Jorhat parliamentary constituency was 67 per cent.

CM, Handique cast vote in Jorhat
From Our Correspondent
JORHAT, April 23: Asom Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and Union Minister and Jorhat HPC Congress candidate Bijoy Krishna Handique cast their votes at Devicharan Borua girls high school centre for Jorhat LS seat here this morning . After casting his vote the Chief Minister went back to Guwahati along with his wife from his home district.

Average turnout in Nagaon
From our Correspondent
NAGAON, April 23: Lok sabha election in 10-Nagaon HPC and 11 Kaliabor HPC passed off peacefully with a few incidents of quarrels recorded during the day. As per the information in Nagaon 55% voters exercised their votes while 65 per cent in Kaliabor. It may be mentioned that AUDF chief Badaruddin Ajmal who was candidate of Dhubri did not come out to cast his vote at Hojai. However Rajan Gohain of BJP, Anil Raja of Congress and Sirajuddin of AUDF cast their votes at Titabor. Former Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta also exercised his vote of Gunabhiram Baruah LP school.

SOURCE: THE SENTINEL

Assam Election News

65% polling in Dhemaji constituency, situation peaceful
DHEMAJI, April 23: The polling in Dhemaji constituency ended in a peaceful note with no unwanted incident reported so far. Around 65% people cast their vote in various polling booths. In spite of the favourable wether condition the percentage was below than the previous parliamentary election held in 2004. The exact official figure of the polling percentage is still awaited.

Due to the failure of voting machine the process started two hours late at Sapolia polling station under Machkhowa. Later, with the interference of Deputy Commissioner the machine was replaced and voting process continued peacefully. From the public view it seems a tough contest is in the fray as AGP BJP alliance candidate Arun Kumar Sharma will get a tough challenge from Congress candidate Rani Narah. Ranoj Pegu of Ganasakti may play a deciding role in the outcome.
All together the security arrangements and the other facilities were quite satisfactory throughout the day. THE SENTINEL

Five injured in AAKRSU BPF clash
KOKRAJHAR, April 23: As many as five BPF supporters including an AAKRSU(B) activist were injured in a group clash between BPF and AGP supporters today at Kalipukri under Kokrajhar Police Station. The incident occurred when just ten minutes remained to conclude the day’s work in polling station.

According to the president of Kalipukri Anchalik committee, AAKRSU Madhav Chandra Ray, the clash between BPF and AGP supporters took place when BPF supporter Jotish Ray was picked up by AAKRSU activists in a Maruti van for indulging rigging at Shimlaguiri polling station. While Jotish was taken and the BPF activist prevented them and showed pistol but the public of the market and AAKRSU activists attacked them with lathis, he said adding that four bikes were totally damaged. The injured AAKRSU was identified as Arup Chandra Ray while injured BPF supporter who are admitted at R N Brahma Civil Hospital and Lower Assam Hospital, Bongaigaon are yet to be identified. BTC EM Derhasat Basumatary rushed to the spot to control the situation. THE SENTINEL

74.5% cast vote in Lakhimpur
NORTH LAKHIMPUR, April 23: The 2nd phase of poll passed of peace fully in Lakhimpur district with 74.5 per cent turn out today. Despite of rain, voters que has been seen in some voting centres since morning. It is reported that one presiding officer, three polling officers and a security guard, who were appointed at Deobil polling centre under Nowboicha LAC had been released from their duties due to negligence of duty. The local people alleged that the said personnel were drinking alcohol till 10 am today. At Rampur H School polling centre due to the snag in EVM the polling process started 1½ hours late while 250 voters were deprived of casting votes owing to the technical defects in Dakhin Mahghuli centre under Nowboicha LAC. THE SENTINEL

Peceful polling in Sivasagar
JOYSAGAR, April 23: Polling in the 6 LACs of Sivasagar district were by and large peaceful and no major incidents of violence were reported from anywhere in the district. A few eyebrows were raised when two women voters, reportedly Congress supporters, were not allowed to vote as their names were cut-off from the electoral list. Congress supporters protested when they found the names of the two voters, Jonali Gogoi and Arati Das were missing from the voters list.
Total 62.84 % voting have been reported from the three LACs of Sivasagar, Thowra and Amguri in Sivasagar election district. Nazira LAC is reported to record more than 65 % votes while Thowra reported a turnout of 64.58 %, whereas Sivasagar and Amguri reported 63.64 % and 60.31 % voting respectively.

A three cornered contest between the Congress, the CPI and the BJP-AGP alliance is expected in the six LACs falling under Sivasagar district in the 12 Jorhat parliamentary constituency. Out of the 10 LACs that fall under Jorhat parliamentary constituency, 6 are in Sivasagar district, the rest fall under Jorhat district.

Eight candidates are in fray in the Jorhat LS constituency. However, the main contest is likely to be between sitting MP and union minister B K handique of the Congress, Dhrupad Borgohain of the CPI and Kamakhya Prasad Tasa of the BJP-AGP alliance.

Damp weather in the morning hours kept most of the voters indoor. However, voters made long queues at the pooling booths with the weather shining up as the day progressed. A large turnout of voters has been reported in the rural and tea garden areas of the district as well.

In Amguri LAC, most of the voters in the tea garden areas favour the BJP-AGP candidate, reports said. However, reports added that rural areas and Amguri town witnessed an equal share of majority of the votes between the Congress and the BJP-AGP alliance candidates. Reports also indicated that the Congress is expected to score over the CPI and the BJP-AGP candidate in Sonari and Mahmora LACs. However, experts are of the opinion that it would not be a catwalk for Congress candidate and sitting MP B K Handique. Division of votes in the tea garden areas is expected to favour the BJP-AGP candidate and at the same time, it is also expected to help the CPI candidate to give a tough fight to the Congress and the BJP-AGP candidate. THE SENTINEL

Election in Dibrugarh

Dibrugarh, April 23: Voting for the 15th Lok Sabha election here began on a brisk note early morning but crowds was thin at the polling centers in Sepon, Moran and Rajgarh due to rains that started last night. The tea community voters, almost four and half lakh, from the more than two hundred tea estates in this constituency have always played a key role in deciding the fortunes of the candidates.

Dibrugarh has been considered a Congress stronghold with the party capturing the seat since the Independence but the dream run was stopped when Sarbananda Sonowal of the AGP emerged winner in the last general elections due to the split in the tea votes. It remains to be seen whether the AGP candidate can retain his seat, with the assistance from partner BJP. Sonowal, a young turkey of the AGP – BJP alliance, became a symbol of hope and progress among a section of voters in the last few years. However, it remains to be seen whether the expectations would convert into votes.

The enthusiasm, which was witnessed in the last 2004 election, was missing in the polling station probably due to inclement weather. On the other hand, the polling was brisk in the polling stations of various tea estates. In many polling stations, there were long queues of people waiting to exercise their adult franchise.

Similar scenes were seen in Dibrugarh, particularly at the DDSA Indoor stadium, DHSK College, Tinkunia, Grahambazar, Bengali School, Panchali and Amolapatty. According to the election media cell sources, the overall voting percentage in the constituency can be estimated to be between 60 and 70. The election was peaceful in the entire constituency so far. The polling was delayed at Panbari Janaki Prathomic Vidyalaya in Digboi for 1 ½ hours due to snag in the EVM machine. Similar holdup occurred at Amolapatty and one of the polling stations at Lengeri but later it was changed to continue the process. THE SENTINEL

NGO releases report on candidates of 2009 Parliament Election

Assam Election Watch (AEW), an organization monitoring the 2009 election candidates, has come out with the analysis of contesting candidates during phase I and II of the elections.

AEW looked at 155 candidates out of 158 total contesting candidates in 14 constituencies of Assam. Mr. Milon Singha and Mr. Soleman Khandeker independent candidate from Karimganj and Dhubri constituency respectively could not be analyzed as in place of their affidavit some other persons’ affidavits are found in the election commission’s database. On the other hand Mr. Jiten Sundi’s affidavit could not be incorporated in the analysis because of some technical problem.

• In this election 25 political parties are contesting in 14 constituencies of Assam

• Mr. Ambu Bora, RCPI(R) is the eldest candidate (79 years) contesting in Gauhati constituency

• Mr. Pran Jyoti Borpatro Gohain, RWS, is the youngest candidate (26 years) contesting in Lakhimpur Constituency

• Only 9 candidates are women which is only 5.8% of the total candidates

• 48.4% candidates are not declaring their PAN number in the court affidavit

• 22 candidates did not pass even the 10th standard of education, 17 passed 10th standard and 15 passed 12th standard only.

• 28 candidates have liabilities more than one lakhs

• 14 corer patties are contesting from Assam

• High degree of corer patty concentration in comparatively less developed North Bank of Brahmapurta and Barak valley

• Mr. Reginold V. Johnson, RSPS contesting in Tezpur constituency is the poorest candidate with Zero Asset.

• 31 candidates have assets less than one Lakh Rupees

• 14 Candidates with more than 10 Lakhs assets did not declare their PAN number

• Mr. Paban Singh Ghatowar, INC candidate contesting from Dibrugarh constituency declared two PAN numbers

• 11 candidates have criminal records. 4 of them have criminal records of serious nature

• Nowgong Constituency is a red alert constituency where 3 candidates with criminal records are contesting among themselves.

• Mr. Moni Kumar Subba, Mr. Sontosh Mohan Dev, Ms. Ranee Narah, Mr. Biren Singh Engti, Mr. Bijoy Krishna Handique and Mr. Rajen Gohain had more than one Lakh assets growth per month in the last 5 years.

• Mr. Moni Kumar Subba topped the list with 65.7 Lakh’s asset increase per month for last 5 years.

The whole data is available at http://www.myneta.info/assam.

Holiday from April 22 to 24 for polls

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Holiday from April 22 to 24 for polls
Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, April 21 – The State Government has declared local holiday on April 22, 23 and 24 in the areas falling within the jurisdiction of parliamentary constituencies of Dhubri, Kokrajhar, Barpeta, Guwahati, Mangaldoi, Tezpur, Nagaon, Kaliabor, Jorhat, Dibrugarh and Lakhimpur in view of the second phase of Lok Sabha polls to be held on April 23. On these dates, all State Government offices and educational institutions will remain closed.

Further, holiday on April 23 under the NI Act will also be applicable to of all Central Government offices, public sector undertakings, corporations, boards, banks and educational institutions in the areas falling within the jurisdiction of the respective Parliamentary constituencies, an official press release stated.

The State Government has declared April 23 as paid holiday in all factories, plantations (including tea plantations), commercial establishment for public entertainment or amusements and also banking institutions in the areas falling under the respective constituencies.



Source: Assam Tribune

Campaign ends for 11 LS seats

Campaign ends for 11 LS seats

Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, April 21 – Campaigning for the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections in the State came to an end at 4 pm today. Altogether 121 candidates are in fray for the eleven Lok Sabha seats going to poll in this phase on April 23, said official sources here.

The Lok Sabha seats going to poll on April 23 include Dhubri, Kokrajhar, Barpeta, Guwahati, Mangaldoi, Tezpur, Nagaon, Kaliabor, Jorhat, Dibrugarh and Lakhimpur. In all, 1,47,29,601 voters (1,47,08,852 general and 20,749 service) are exercising their franchise in this phase of the Lok Sabha polls. Of them, 71,31,692 are female voters (71,25,767 general and 5,925 service), while the number of male voters stands to be 75,97,909 (75,83,085 general and 14,824 service).

According to the information available with the website of the Chief Electoral Officer of the State, altogether 15,772 polling stations have been readied for the purpose, the website stated.

The first phase of the Lok Sabha elections was held in three Lok Sabha Constituencies of the State – Silchar, Karimganj and Autonomous District (Diphu) on April 16.

Source: Assam Tribune

GMC taxes

— Any move of the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) to effect a hike in taxes invariably draws stiff public resistance. A few months back it was the abrupt and manifold increase in property tax, and now the business community is crying hoarse over a three-fold increase in trade licence tax. The traders also downed their shutters as a mark of protest on Saturday. One reason why any hike in taxes results in a confrontation with the payer is the sudden and multiple nature of the increase. The GMC rarely takes the public into confidence while taking such important decisions, with no discussion with any public body preceding the hikes. The biggest complaint against the GMC, and with good reasons, has been its inability to deliver even the basic services and amenities to the tax-paying citizens. A legitimate grievance of the traders has been that the corporation failed miserably when it comes to providing the basic facilities in the markets. Another curious habit with our authorities – something that naturally does not go well with the tax-paying public — is their penchant for making abrupt and steep hikes in taxes rather than effecting those gradually and periodically so that the people are spared the sudden pinch.

Given the widespread protest against the hike in trade licence tax, the GMC would do well to sit for a discussion with trade bodies prior to implementing the hike. If at all there is merit in the corporation’s stand, it has to convince the payer. Over the years the GMC’s track record has been hardly the type that inspires people’s confidence. As per the GMC Act-1971, the corporation is under an obligation to ensure 25 amenities to the public but how far it has succeeded is for everyone to see. Another serious allegation against the GMC concerns its non-transparent functioning, with the corporation not making public its audited annual balance sheet of account. Since the GMC utilises the tax payers’ money, along with providing the necessary services it also has to ensure transparency in utilising the money. It is apparent that the GMC lacks work culture and any long-term vision whereas both are critical to providing the necessary services to the public. With the city experiencing a rapid expansion and population growth, the challenge before the GMC only stands to intensify in the days to come. The GMC should also study the functioning of municipal bodies of model cities and replicate their success stories. ASSAM TRIBUNE

Need for soil conservation

— KC Patar Ecological balance plays a crucial role in sustaining various forms of life on earth. Various living organisms like plants, animals and microorganisms are continuously interacting with one another and also with soil, air and water. There is a continuous input of energy from the sun. All these components form a self-sustaining or functional ambit of the natural world. They are interdependent on each other. Life on earth is part of this interdependent system. Man derived it’s existence from this interdependent system. Therefore man cannot live apart from this natural world. From scientific and technological developments man has derived immense benefeits, but at the same time, it is also responsible for various types of environmental degradations.

From ancient time all the components of environment such as soil, tree, water, air, river, mountain and animal etc, have been considered as sacred in one form or the other. Therefore, protection of these components, has been of paramount importance and it was a part of religious activity. In the remote past, there was no environmental problem because of limited population and of simple pattern of life. Generally during present century with the growth of population, industrialisation and urbanisation as well as other economic activities environmental problems have emerged. Once soil is lost or damaged, the entire ecosystem is disturbed and this leads to interruption of nutrient cycle, loss of soil fertility, extinction of flora and fauna and soil erosion etc resulting in biological impoverishment and human sufferings.

If the soil of a region is fertile, it helps agriculture and industries of the region. It is found that the regions having fertile soil are thickly populated and have been the centres of civilisation and culture even in ancient period. For example the Ganga plain, the Delta region, the Damodar Valley and the Coastal regions of Bay of Bengal are agriculturally and industrially developed due to fertile soil. Soil is a resource for which there is no substitute. We may enhance the soil by helping it’s processes along, but can never recreate what we have already destroyed. Soil is of vital importance so far as existence of life is concerned. Soil formation is extremely slow process. Top soil is a valuable resource. To build one inch of top soil it normally requires 50 years or more depending upon the climate and soil type. Thus if the top soil erodes faster than it is formed, the soil becomes a non-renewable resource.

All life forms, including man,are utterly dependent upon a thin, nutrient and moisture rich mantle of soil. Soil is therefore of vital importance for existence of many forms of life that have evolved on our planet earth. Soil itself is a much more complex phenomenon than most people realise. Soil is a natural covering on the earth’s land surface composed of loose, unconsolidated materials such as tiny mineral particles, decayed organic matters, living organisms, water and air. Living organisms include vegetation, bacteria and animals. A square metre of fertile soil brings forth more than 1,000 million individual forms of life, from microscopic organisms to insects, worms and large animals such as burrowing rodents, rats etc. Animals living in soil play an important role in biological processes of soil. Burrowing animals like ants, rodents, termites and some birds move the surface soil down wards and subsoil upwards. The mixing of two layers helps in improving the texture and it’s aeration.

A variety of biological factors influence soil formation. Plants stabilise the earth by reducing erosion and surface run off. As they decay, the plants also provide the fine organic humus litter vital to soil life. The dead bodies of organisms and the wastes of biological process do not pileup. They are broken down and their component parts are recycled by the community. The soil organisms decompose the dead leaves and transform into an amorphous mass of decaying and decomposing plant tissues, finally reducing them to the mineral elements from which they were once synthesised. The role of soil bacteria is crucial for they not only fix nitrogen from the air in a form that plants can use, but also promote the process of decay. All these organisms help in the maintenance of nutrient cycles in the soil.

It is imperative to discuss here the role played by the earth worms in soil formation. Of the various types of beneficial organisms, earth worm is perhaps the most important. They play a vital role in soil turn over, aeration, decomposition, fertility, cycling of matter and so on. Besides various roles as cited above, earth worms have immense importance in the ecological food chain as they are the major food source for some insects, amphibians and birds. Earth worms work like a crusher machine as they help in reducing it’s grains to small size and in mixing the minerals and the organic matters. Earth worms rework the soil not only by burrowing but also by passing the soil through these intestinal tracts. It has been estimated that earth worms alone can turn over between one and ten tonnes of soil per hectre per year. As they eat and excrete the soil, they also change it’s texture and composition. Earth worms may burrow two metres into the soil, make numerous transverse burrows and produce worm casts by eating the soil and soil organic matter. These casts are very rich in nitrogen and mineral substances and increase soil fertility. The burrows facilitate aeration and increase water holding capacity. Thus the soil turn over provides a stone free layer about 15cm deep on the surface. The degradation of organic waste by earth worm is known as vermi Composting.

Soil erosion is a serious problem in most tropical countries and more so in India. This ultimately reduces the land productivity. The main causes of soil-erosion are deforestation, unscientific method of cultivation (i.e. Jhumming), over grazing, wind and running water. Human interference in the ecological system is the major cause of concern because it is destroying the ecological balance in an irreversible manner. Soil erosion is one of the causes of eco-imbalance. In India, there are problems of soil-erosion in many States such as Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh etc. It has been estimated that in India 53 per cent of the area is suffering from soil erosion.

All our activities affect the natural world in one way or the other. As our population continues to grow and our material prosperity continues to increase, our impact will also become progressively more damaging. Our survival depend only on maintaining the natural world in productive stage. It we are to maintain this State, the onus of responsibility lies on the shoulders of every citizen. We have not inherited this earth from our ancestors, but we have borrowed it from our children. We are, therefore, obliged to preserve it and handover to them in a healthy State.
(Published on the occasion of World Earth Day). ASSAM TRIBUNE

Secret pact between AGP, AUDF: Bukhari

GUWAHATI, April 21 – Apprehensive of losing out on minority votes with the rise of Asom United Democratic Front (AUDF), the Congress has roped in Maulana Syed Yahya Bukhari, the president of Jama Masjid United Forum. “The AUDF is dividing Muslim votes in the State and I am here on behalf of the Congress to prevent this division,” Maulana Bukhari said here today, winding up his two-phase campaigning in the State.

“Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi invited me to campaign for the Congress party, which is why I am here,” informed Bukhari, while addressing newsmen at a press conference here today.

“I am pretty sure that the AUDF will not win a single seat, at least in the places I have campaigned. And even if it does manages to bag one seat, the Congress will be in no need of the AUDF’s one MP to form government in the Centre,” he added.

The Maulana, refusing to state overtly that the AUDF has indeed eroded Congress vote bank, said, “My assessment of the scenario is that that there is a hidden tie-up between the BJP and AUDF but having said that I can speak with all surety that the Muslim community will vote for the Congress wherever I have campaigned.” He had held meetings in Dhubri, Barpeta, Kaliabor and Guwahati Lok Sabha constituencies, visiting the state in two phases.

“Secularism is very prominent in Assam but a section of the political parties are trying to hamper the existing scenario. I believe that I have been able to convince the minority voters about the benefits of voting for the Congress,” he pointed out.

“The Congress has assured me of a proper rehabilitation for those displaced minorities and I believe them. Poverty is an issue here and the Congress has assured to address those as well,” he stated.

When pointed that other Muslim leaders, particularly of the Jamiat Ulema-e Hind, had refrained from campaigning in Assam, the Maulana said, “The Jamiat is itself a broken house and I see no way of them helping others.” ASSAM TRIBUNE

Lakhimpur Lok Sabha Election, Rahul addresses rally in North Lakhimpur

Lakhimpur Lok Sabha Election
Correspondent
NORTH LAKHIMPUR, April 21 – The general secretary of the All India Congress Committee and star campaigner of the party, Rahul Gandhi, yesterday addressed a massive election rally in North Lakhimpur. The youth icon of the Congress party arrived here by a helicopter to campaign for the Congress candidate Ranee Narah in the 14 Lakhimpur Lok Sabha constituency.

Rahul arrived at the Leelabari airport at 10.30 am and then moved to address the rally at the playground of North Lakhimpur Govt HS School. He was accompanied by Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, the president of APCC Bhubaneswar Kalita, besides Ranee Narah and Minister Bharat Narah.

In his speech Rahul appealed to the public to vote for the Congress and help the UPA to form the next government. He said that there was no dearth of funds in the Centre for the development of States and they would be adequately spent when the UPA returns to power. Rahul also spoke of the construction work at the Maatmara embankment in Dhakuakhana in the rally.

The rally was also addressed by APCC chief Kalita and Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, who urged the voters to defeat the forces of communalism and division by voting for the Congress and UPA. The major attraction of the rally was the heavy turnout of people. Around fifteen thousand people gathered at the field to listen to the youth leader. Besides taken to the venue by bus, a large number of public turned up spontaneously at the rally. ASSAM TRIBUNE

Jonai Election

SILAPATHAR, April 21 – Election campaigning has reached fever pitch at Jonai LAC for the Lakhimpur LS seat for the polls scheduled on April 23. This time 2,12,569 voters of the LAC will exercise their franchises in 196 polling stations.

Congress candidate Ranee Narah, AGP-BJP alliance candidate Dr Arun Kr Sarma, Sanmilita Gana Shakti Party’s Dr Ranoj Pegu, CPI candidate Bhogeswar Dutta, Samajwadi Party-supported candidate Minu Buragohain, Shiv Sena-supported candidate Gongadhar Dutta, etc., are all canvassing in the rural areas, but it will be a straight contest among AGP-BJP alliance, Sanmilita Gana Shakti and Congress at Jonai.

In 1996 LS election, Congress’ Bolin Kuli got 17,160 in this LAC, while BJP candidate Susen Konwar received 9,979 and MMK candidate Dr Ronoj Pegu got 28,214.

In 1998, Mising Mimag Kebang (MMK) candidate Dr. Ranoj Pegu got 35,455, followed by AGP candidate Dr Arun Kr Sarmah (27,650), Congress’ Ranee Narah (20,394) and BJP’s Uday Sankar Hazarika (16,022) at Jonai.

In 1999, BJP candidate Uday Sankar Hazarika got 26,474, while Ranee Narah got 18,713, MMK candidate Dr Pegu got 26,822, AGP candidate Sorbananda Sonowal got 29,895 at Jonai LAC.

In the 2004 parliamentary election, Congress’ Ranee Narah, supported by TMPK/MMK, got 56,894 votes while AGP candidate Dr Sarmah got 51,117, BJP’s Uday Sankar Hazarika got 14,529 votes at Jonai LAC.

In 2006 legislative election, Sanmilita Gana Shakti candidate Bhuban Pegu won from the jonai LAC. This time Sanmilita Gana Shakti is being backed by Mising organisations while the AGP candidate is being supported by BJP. ASSAM TRIBUNE

Kaliabor Lok Sabha Election, Dip Gogoi facing tough challange in Kaliabor

Kaliabor Lok Sabha Election
Correspondent
DERGAON, April 21 – Electioneering for the Kaliabor Lok Sabha seat has reached a fever pitch. The April 23 poll will decide the fate of eight candidates including sitting MP Dip Gogoi (Congress), Gunin Hazarika (AGP), Sirajuddin Ajmal (AUDF), Mridul Baruah (NCP) and Independent candidates Binod Gogoi, Kamal Hazarika, Paul Nayak and Pradip Dutta.

The seat was represented by Debeswar Sarmah (Congress) in 1951, Mofida Ahmed (Cong) in 1957, Rajendra Nath Baruah (PSP) in 1962, Debeswar Baruah (Cong) in 1967, Bedabrata Baruah (Cong) in 1971 and 1977, Bhadreswar Tanti (independent) in 1985, Tarun Gogoi (Cong) in 1991, Keshab Mahanta (AGP) in 1996, Tarun Gogoi (Cong) again in 1998 and 1999 and Dip Gogoi (Cong) in 2004.

The prestigious seat consists of 10 LACs – Dhing, Batadroba, Rupahihat, Samaguri, Kaliabor, Bokakhat, Sarupather, Golaghat, Khumtai and Dergaon.

A total of 13,46,255 voters will cast their votes at 1,471 polling stations. The constituency-wise break-up of the electors are as follows: 1,49,986 in Dhing, 1,25,865 in Batadraba,1,35,866 in Rupahihat,1,22,790 in Samaguri ,1,09,085 in Kaliabor, 1,11,466 in Bokakhat,1,91,641 in Sarupather, 1,54,379 in Golaghat, 1,10,911 in Khumtai and 1,34,266 in Dergaon.

In the 2004 election, Congress candidate Deep Gogoi won the seat by getting 3,01,893 votes while Keshab Mahanta of AGP got 2,34,695, Rashidul Haque of JD(U) 1,25,966 and Jiten Gogoi (Indepedent) got 30,810 votes, which shows that the total number of votes received by AGP and JD(U) was more than the votes received by the Congress candidate along with the independent candidate.

On the other hand, among the 10 LACs only three are in the hand of Congress while five are with AGP, one each is captured by AUDF and independent candidate.

In six seats, Congress is in second position as AGP has three seats and AUDF one. The statistics revealed that the total votes received by the Congress in the 10 LACs under Kaliabor LS seat in the 2006 Assembly election was 3,76,177 while AGP and AGP(P) received 3,75,503, BJP got 1,28,043 and AUDF 97,020.

From this statistics it is clear that if the votes of AGP (united) and BJP are taken together and supposing AUDF will be able to make inroads then Congress is bound to have a real tough time.

This time, the main contest will be among Deep Gogoi (Cong), Gunin Hazarika (AGP-BJP) and Sirajuddin Ajmal (AUDF). Hence the AGP-BJP alliance is likely to enjoy an edge in the seat, provided it proves to be an alliance in true sense. ASSAM TRIBUNE

Ranee Narah lashes out at Arun Sarma

Correspondent

KAMALABARI, April 21 – Ranee Narah, Congress candidate for the 14 Lakhimpur HPC has lashed out at the sitting MP and candidate of the AGP-BJP combine, Dr Arun Kumar Sarma, for his failure to judiciously spend Rs 27 crore he had received as his MP area development fund during his tenure of 13 years as the member of the Rajya Sabha and two-time member of the Lok Sabha.

In this respect, she said that she was also a two-time MP from the constituency for 6 years and she had received Rs 11 crore as her MP area development fund. She proudly said that she was able to spend this amount judiciously displaying the dossier of the expenditure of this fund. She further said that she had played a key role in activating the Leelabari airport at North Lakhimpur. Narah criticised Sarma for the latter’s failure to raise the burning issues of the State on the platform of the Parliament appropriately.

She was addressing a public meeting at Garamur here on April 17 as a part of her electioneering. It was presided over by Hiteswar Bora, president, Majuli Block Congress Committee. Earlier, addressing the gathering, Rajiv Lochan Pegu, MLA, called upon the voters of Majuli to cast their votes in favour of his party to form a progressive and secular government at the Centre. ASSAM TRIBUNE

Ranoj Pegu hopes to defeat Cong, AGP

SILAPATHAR, April 21 – The Sanmilita Gana Shakti Party, Assam is posing a threat to Congress party’s candidate Ranee Narah and BJP-AGP alliance candidate Dr Arun Sarma in Jonai LAC under Lakhimpur Lok Sabha constituency. Dr Ranoj Pegu, candidate of Sanmilata Gana Shakti, has arranged to split the vote bank of Dr Arun Kumar Sarma and Ranee Narah.

The campaign for parliamentary elections has peaked in Lakhimpur HPC and a total of 15 candidates are in the fray for the Lakhimpur seat. The other major candidates are Bhogeswar Dutta (CPI), Gangadhar Dutta (Shiv Sena), Minu Buragohain (Samajvadi Party).

The AGP-BJP candidate, Congress candidate and Gana Shakti candidate have addressed several party meetings at Silapathar and its adjoining areas.

The Sanmilita Gana Shakti party general secretary and MLA of Jonai LAC Bhuban Pegu criticised the AGP-BJP alliance candidate and Congress candidates for non-fulfillment of burning issues of the area in a public meeting at Silapathar recently.

He also said that Sanmilita Gana Shakti candidate Dr Ranoj Pegu will win the Lakhimpur LS seat.

Delivering lectures in the meeting, Dr Ranoj Pegu appealed to the public to vote for him for equal status, equal right and equal development in the area. ASSAM TRIBUNE

AGP-BJP campaign at Sualkuchi

SUALKUCHI, April 21 – An election meeting of the AGP-BJP alliance was held at Sualkuchi Bazar Chowk last evening. Addressing the gathering, Bijaya Chakraborty, the BJP-AGP alliance candidate, urged the gathering to fight against the misrule of the Congress.

She claimed that the BJP would form the government at the Centre under the Prime Ministership of LK Advani.

Queen Oza, secretary, Asam Mahila Samity, also addressed the gathering.

Dr Kamala Kalita called upon the people to join hands with AGP-BJP to end the misrule of Congress government.

Critising Himanta Biswa Sarmah, Health Minister and MLA, Jalukbari constituency, for his unparliamentary language uttered in public meetings, Kalita said Sarma is suffering from depression.

Critical of the Tarun Gogoi government, Kalita said that there is no government at Dispur and that Gogoi would lose his government after May 16. ASSAM TRIBUNE

Sarma flays Opposition parties, ally BPF

KALAIGAON, April 21 – Health Minister and Congress spokesperson Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma has turned the tide in favour of the Congress in the 8 Mangaldoi HPC. He addressed six big election rallies here on the same day on April 17.

Nearly 5000 people attended his first election rally at Lakhimpur followed by one at Amba Chouk, Nepali Bazaar, Asimtal, Balabari, Dahi and Janaramchouka.

Addressing people at Lakhimpur under Kalaigaon LAC, Himanta hit hard at BJP, AGP and AUDF. He said that Congress had been paying salaries of the employees regularly while AGP had failed to pay its employees, not to speak of development works. Himanta also severely criticised AGP for their unholy alliance with BJP.

According to him people of Assam would give their verdict against the so-called alliance. He also said that outcome of the secret alliance between AGP, BJP and AUDF would prove to be fatal for the parties. Himanta also criticized Chandra Mohan Patowary for his close association in the secret killings while AGP had been in power. Himanta asked BJP the reason for the absence of Narayan Barkataki (who had been MP from Mangaldoi) in the election campaign in his former constituency. The Congress spokesperson also criticized BPF and said that it had been unnecessarily wasting huge amount of public money by fielding their own candidate against Congress. According to him, the money could well have been utilized for the developmental works. Several party workers of AGP, BJP and Boro Peace Forum formally joined Congress in the rally.

BPF rallies: On the other hand, Congress ally BPF retaliated with several big election rallies in Mangaldoi on the same day on April 17. Party chief Hagrama Mahilary, State Agriculture Minister Pramila Rani Brahma, etc., addressed several largely attended election rallies in Darrang and Udalguri districts.

At a well-attended rally at Kalaigaon town on April 17 at BPF leader and State agriculture Minister Pramila Rani Brahma hit hard at Congress, AGP, BJP and AUDF. She said that BPF had already done enough works even in the non-BTAD areas of Assam. According to her BPF would prove to be the strongest regional political party in the North East. Maheswar Boro, MLA, Kalaigaon also criticised Congress and BJP. He said that BPF had done more in non-BTAD areas than Congress. He said that BPF MP (RS) Biswajit Daimari had donated an amount of Rs 30 lakh from his LAD fund for the completion of Mangaldai stadium, which fell outside BTAD areas. He also said that PHE minister Rihan Daimari had also sanctioned another one crore rupee water supply scheme at Mangaldoi College. Several district level workers of BJP, AGP and AYJCP formally joined BPF in the rally headed by Jiten Kalita, president Udalguri district BJP youth wing.

According to the latest seen election activities, Mangaldai HPC is likely to witness a close contest between Madhab Rajbangshi of Congress and Dina Nath Das of BPF leaving behind BJP and AUDF. ASSAM TRIBUNE

BPF will win in Mangaldoi: Hagrama Mohilary

Mangaldoi Lok Sabha Election
GORESWAR, April 21 – “We will win the forthcoming 8 Mangaldoi HPC polls. No one can catch hold of us,” BTC chief Hagrama Mohilary said.

Addressing a mammoth gathering at the bus stand here held recently, Mohilary said that there are 6 lakh voters in BTAD and 5 lakh out of 6 lakh voters would cast votes. Of them 3/4 lakh voters would cast their votes in favour of their BPF candidate Dina Nath Das. Besides, the voters of the non-BTAD area under the said constituency like 22,000 voters of Kharupetiya, 10,000 of Mangaldoi, 10,000 of Dalgaon, 10,000 of Sipajhar, 10,000 of Kamalpur, 20,000 of Nalbari, 10,000 of Rangiya constituencies along with another one lakh voters belonging to other parts of the Mangaldoi HPC would certainly be gained by the party and the party’s victory has become assured with huge margins.

Mohilary addressed three consecutive election campaign rallies on the same day at Maharipara, Ouguri and Goreswar under Baska district. He threatened that if we wish then we can remove the Congress government today while we can form an alliance government with the co-operation of the AGP and BJP. We first supported the candidate of the Congress as well as the BJP in Mangaldoi HPC to bring development but in course of their tenures there was no development. Hence, this time we have projected our own party candidate Dina Nath Das in Mangaldoi HPC for bringing development in the constituency.

Addressing another rally recently at Bengenaati, Mohilary said that the BPF candidate Dina Nath Das is set to win in Mangaldoi. He said that the BTC government has laid the path of progress and development in the entire BTC area.

‘The developmental work in greater interest of the public in general living outside the BTC area would also taken up by the BTC government soon while there was no development work done by the Congress MP Madhab Rajbongshi during his two terms.

Maheswar Boro, MLA, Kalaigaon LAC addressing the meet opined that the BTC government would project the Chief Minister of the State from the BPF-led BTC government in 2011. The BTC government has already 11 MLAs and out of them three are Cabinet Ministers, now in the Tarun Gogoi Congress government. This became possible only due to the BPF party’s BTC government as 90% of the Bodoland accord was executed in the BTAD area.

Besides, Boro lauded the BPF president and CEM, BTC Mohilary for bringing harmony, peace and development in BTC.

Dina Nath Das, BPF supported candidate flayed opponent Congress Madhab Ranbongshi and the sitting MP Narayan Chandra Borkotoky for not doing anything for the people of Mangaldoi.

Meanwhile, 68 persons joined the BPF under the initiative of Goreswar Block BPF committee chairman Maheswar Basumatary, EM at a poll campaign meet held at Silkijhar recently.

Among the new entrants there were 35 from the AGP, Congress-13 and CPM 18.

Pradip Kumar Daimary (BPPF), 8 Mangaldoi HPC candidate who is supported by CPI(M), NCP, CPI and AUDF along with his Goreswar Anchalik CPI(M) activists opened a poll campaign office at Goreswar on Thursday at 1 pm. ASSAM TRIBUNE

AGP candidate promises to raise State’s problems in Parliament

Barpeta Lok Sabha Election
PATACHARKUCHI, April 21 – The AGP candidate for Barpeta HPC, Bhupen Roy, addressed a number of meetings in various parts of Patacharkuchi LAC area recently. Party meetings were held at Dumuria, Kenduguri, Saderi, Baghmara, Rehabari, Nityananda, Kharadhara, Tihu Town, Kanimara, Helana, Jalkhana, Dubi, Barbang Kumarpara, Patacharkuchi and Makhibaha. Those who addressed the meeting included Pabindra Deka and Mohan Das ex-MLA, Hitesh Talukdar president of Bajali Zila Samiti of BJP, Manoranjan Das, state leader of BJP, Mukul Dutta secretary of coordinating committee of AGP and BJP party of Patacharkuchi constituency. Pranjit Das, secretary of Bajali Zila Samiti of Asam Yuba Parishad, etc.

Opening a party office at Patacharkuchi Roy urged the people to vote for the AGP-BJP alliance candidate to throw out the ruling Congress in the interest of peace and development. He blamed the Congress MP for playing role of silent spectator on the floor of Parliament. He also criticised the role of former MP of Barpeta constituency and alleged that the former Congress MP AF Golam Osmani did not take any step for the development and solving the burning problems of the prestigious constituency. During his speech he promised the gathering to raise the burning problems of the constituency on the floor of Parliament if he was voted to power. He mentioned about the Baitamari, Manikpur and Nathkuchi polyster mills and Jogighopa Paper Mill and promised to revive the mills which were presently in defunct state. He further promised to construct a Jogighopa-Guwahati via Barpeta NH and steps for making the satras free from the hand of enchroachers. He termed the Congress government, a credit government which is running on loans only. He further claimed that AGP-BJP alliance will win the prestigious seat with huge margin of votes. ASSAM TRIBUNE

Kaliabor Lok Sabha seat, Dip Gogoi in danger

KHUMTAI, April 21 – Eight candidates will contest for the MP seat from 11 Kaliabor HPC. They are Dip Gogoi (INC), Gunin Hazarika (AGP-BJP combine), Sirajuddin Ajmal (AUDF), Kamal Dutta, Paul Nayak, Pradip Dutta, Binod Gogoi and Mridul Dutta (all Independents). In the last parliamentary election held in 2004, Dip Gogoi of Congress defeated his nearest AGP rival Keshab Mahanta by a margin of 67, 196 votes. Dip Gogoi secured 3,01,893 votes, while Mahanta secured 2,34,695 votes. Rashidul Haque, an NDA candidate contesting on JD (U)’s ticket finished third securing 1,25,966 votes. The percentage of votes in favour of Dip Gogoi was 39.56%, Keshab Mahanta 30.76% and Roshidul Haque 16.51%.

The Kaliabor HPC comprises 10 Assembly segments stretching from Lahorighat Development Block in the west to Dhekorgorha Development Block in the east. Dhing LAC, which extends both into Morigaon and Nagaon district, Batadrava, Rupahihat, Samaguri and Koliabor of Nagaon district, Khumtai, Bokakhat, Sarupothar and Golaghat LAC in Golaghat district and Dergaon (ST) which form pent of both Golaghat and Jorhat districts comprise the 11 No. Koliabor HPC.

Out of these, Congress holds only three LACs viz. Batadrava, Samaguri and Golaghat and all the three MLAs. Goutom Bora, Rockeybul Hussain and Ajanta Neog respectively – are ministers in the Gogoi Cabinet. Obviously they have left no stone unturned to ensure a win for the Congress nominees. The AGP on the other hand has five LACs – Rupahihat, Kaliabor, Sarupathar, Khumtai and Dergaon (ST). In Dhing, there is an AUDF MLA and in Bokakhat there is an independent MLA Jiten Gogoi who is now absconding being involved in a criminal ease at KNP.

The presence of AUDF candidate, who happens to be the brother of Badruddin Ajmal, the arch-enemy of Tarun Gogoi, has become a headache for the Congress. The Congress lost this HPC only twice, in 1985 and in 1996, and both time due to strong presence of religious minority candidates. In 1985, UMF’s Majahrool Latif and in 1996 Congress (Tiwari)’s Abdul Mannan Farooqi, who had got 1.20 lakh and 1.35 lakh votes respectively ensured AGP’s return. The same thing may repeat again in 2009.

Another cause of concern for Congress is opposition by ATTSA, which has a considerable base in the tea garden areas. However, both AGP and its ally BJP have very little base among tea garden labourers. Tea garden community can play a vital role in the Assembly segments of Kaliabor, Bokakhat, Khumtai and Sarupathar while religious minority votes are the deciding factor in Dhing, Batadrava, Rupahihat and Samaguri. Dergaon and Sarupathar also have a good number of minority votes.

The Kaliabor HPC was formed in 1967. Since then, the Congress has been representing this constituency barring seven years. It was represented by Bedabrat Barua of Congress from 1967 to 1978, form three terms. From 1978 to 1983, Tarun Gogoi (INC), from 1983 to 1985 Bishnu Prasad (INC), from 1985 to 1991 Bhadreswar Tanti (AGP), from 1991 to 1996 Tarun Gogoi (INC), from 1996 to 1998 Keshab Mahanta (AGP) represented Kaliabor HPC. In the elections of 1998, 1999 and 2001, Tarun Gogoi retained this seat. While he resigned for chief ministership his younger brother Dip Gogoi was nominated by Congress who managed to enter parliament through the by-election of 2002. He was re-elected in 2004 for the second time and has been nominated by the party this time again. As such, Kaliabor is a stronghold of the Congress. But the recent rift among traditional vote bank my alter this scene.

‘Tea tribes cheated’: “The political parties are cheating tea garden community in Assam and using them as more vote banks only. They do nothing concrete for them except for empty promises,” said Arun Dusad, president and Prakash Burhoi, secretary, Badulipar sub-branch ATTSA, in a press release here recently. “The ruling Congress never pays heed to the vital problems of the tea garden labourers. ATTSA has been drawing attention to the State and Central government time and time again for the root causes of miseries of the tea tribes viz problem of education, sanitation, daily wages, scholarship for tea garden students and above all ST status to the tea tribes of Assam. But all have fallen on deaf ears,” they added. ASSAM TRIBUNE

Mamoni Raisom Goswami breaks down at Sabha award meet

EC directive on SMS

Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, April 21 – The Election Commission (EC) has issued instructions to officials concerned that appropriate action be taken against those making use of Short Messaging Service (SMS) to send objectionable messages, which violate the provisions of election law model code of conduct. In an official communication to all Deputy Commissioners and Sub-Divisional Officers, it was stated that bulk SMS(es) transmitted during the campaign period as an alternative electioneering when noticed by RO or DEO will be brought to the notice of the CEO, who will find out the cost involved from the service provider and apportion it to the candidate or candidates concerned.

It was also stated that there shall be prohibition of transmitting bulk SMSs of political nature for a period of 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for conclusion of poll.

Moreover, the police authorities have been asked to advertise a special mobile number on which the receiver of such SMSs can forward the said SMS. The police should track the original sender and take action under relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code, Representation of the People Act 1951 and the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 and any other relevant law. Assam Tribune

Raisom breaks down at Sabha award meet
Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, April 21 – Eminent writer Dr Mamoni Raisom Goswami after receiving the coveted Krishna Kanta Handique Literary Award 2008, given by the Asam Sahitya Sabha, became emotional today as she recalled the “injustice” done to her by a section of office- bearers of the apex literary institution of the State. In her speech after receiving the award, Dr Goswami startled the gathering when she revealed that a section of the Sabha office-bearers, including the then president had conspired against her, when the people Assam wanted her to lead the most revered institution of the State.

“I want to keep the honour of the Asam Sahitya Sabha intact and also I did not want to refuse an award instituted in the name of the great scholar Krishna Kanta Handique. This is the reason why I chose to accept the award, though I was in a dilemma…,” said Dr Goswami.

The award consists of a phulam gamocha, a citation, a memento, and Rs 25,000.

“After receiving the Jnanpeeth award in the year 2000, when I was honoured all over the world, the Asam Sahitya Sabha did not send a single note of appreciation, congratulating me; the question of felicitation also did not arise,” said an emotional Goswami in tears, as the other dignitaries on the dais including the Sabha president Rong Bong Terang, Ranjit Kumar Deb Goswami, president of the KK Handique Literary Award Trust, secretary of the trust Ahilya Gogoi, Sahitya Academi Award winner Dr Malini Goswami watched in silence.

She further revealed that though huge public opinion was created twice to make her the Sabha president, it was a group of selfish and jealous people who stood in her way. “I do not desire a high post or a title and my readers, my huge fan following are my biggest award, yet such conspiracy is an injustice to an author,” she mentioned.

Congratulating Terang on being chosen as the Sabha president, she hoped that the literary body would be revived under his leadership. “It is an institution of people and not of a handful of selfish people,” she added.

Earlier, Dr Malini Goswami, gave a brief account of the life and works of Dr Goswami. ASSAM TRIBUNE