258 Independent candidates form single largest bloc in election arena

Guwahati: Independent candidates have emerged as the single largest bloc for the Assam assembly elections, with a massive 258 individuals in the fray. In a sharp contrast, the Revolutionary Communist Party of India (Rasik Bhatt) has fielded just one candidate.The exercise will elect 126 members to the new legislative assembly, and the sheer number of independents underscores the fragmented nature of the contest. In all, 722 candidates are in the race, with both national and regional parties adding to the crowded field. According to Election Commission’s list, Congress leads with 99 candidates, followed closely by BJP at 90. BJP’s allies are also prominent, with Asom Gana Parishad fielding 26 nominees and the Bodoland People’s Front contesting 11 seats. Congress ally Assam Jatiya Parishad has put up 10 candidates, while Raijor Dal contests 13 seats and CPI (ML-Liberation) fields 3.AIUDF has announced 30 candidates, and UPPL matches the AAP with 18 nominees each. Other parties in the mix include Trinamool Congress (22), Gana Suraksha Party (10), and Bharatiya Gana Parishad (4). In the Left bloc, CPI has 3 candidates, CPI(M) fields 2, and Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist) contests 41 seats. Smaller outfits like the Forward Bloc, Apni Janta Party, and the Gondvana Gantantra Party have put up just a handful. The Rashtriya Ulama Council has 10 nominees, while the Republican Party of India (Athewale) has 4.