Team News Riveting
Raipur, October 18
Congress on Wednesday released the second list of candidates for the ensuing assembly elections, dropping 10 sitting MLAs.
The party released the list of 53 candidates. The first list of 30 candidates was issued on October 15. As of now, Congress party has announced its candidates for the 83 constituencies while preventing 18 MLAs of the 71 to re-contest the state polls.
In the House of 90 in the Chhattisgarh assembly, the Congress party has 71 members. Of the remaining seven seats, Congress has bagged six and probably, most of the sitting MLAs will be dropped.
Following hectic political activities, names in seven constituencies could not be finalised. It includes Dhamtari, Kasdol, Baikunthpur, Saraipali, Mahasamund, Raipur North and Sihawa.
BJP spokesperson Vimal Chopra took a dig and said 18 MLAs have been denied tickets. In all, the party has dropped 33 per cent of its sitting MLAs to contest the ensuing assembly in Chhattisgarh where the party has been in power. He attributed it to the non-performance and laxity of the lawmakers in discharging their duties effectively.
Deputy Chief Minister T S Singh Deo has shown his sway in the list announced for the Surguja region that he represents. Those who switched sides and launched a crusade against him by levelling baseless allegations have been denied party tickets.
Chhattisgarh goes to the polls in two phases. The first phase of voting will be held on 7 November and the second phase on 17 November. While 20 assembly constituencies will vote in the first phase, 70 constituencies will go to the polls in the second phase. The results of the elections will be declared on December 3.
