Jockeying starts for Assam RS seats

As the term of two Congress Rajya Sabha Candidate Dr ManmohanSingh and Santias Kuzur are coming to an end mid June, slowly politics aregearing up in the ruling camp to jockey for the two seats, one which is beingeyed by the AGP also.

The junior NDA constituent Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) has madeit clear that it will put up its candidate for one of the two upcomingvacancies.

"During our negotiations with the BJP for renewal of thealliance in the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls, the leadership of the BJP hadpromised to spare one Rajya Sabha berth for us from among the upcomingvacancies," AGP general secretary Ramendra Narayan  said.

Birendra Prasad Baishya is the obvious choice for the RajyaSabha for the AGP.

 "There was agentleman's agreement on the matter. Such agreements are arrived at on thebasis of mutual confidence," Kalita said. Asked about AGP's likely nominee forthe Rajya Sabha polls, Kalita said the matter is yet to be formally discussedwithin the party.

The terms of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh andSantiuse Kujur, both Rajya Sabha members of the Congress party from Assam, willend on June 14.

In the 126-member Assam Legislative Assembly, the BJP has 61MLAs, while its allies AGP and BPF have 14 and 12 legislators respectively. Theruling coalition also has the support of the lone Independent MLA in theAssembly.

On the other hand, among the Opposition benches, theCongress has 25 MLAs and the AIUDF has 13 legislators.

A candidate will need at least 43 first preference votes towin a Rajya Sabha seat. If the constituents of the ruling alliance field jointcandidates, then they will be able to win both seats easily.