Congress names 23 nominees in 2nd list

Guwahati: The AICC on Saturday released its second list of Congress candidates for the Assam assembly polls, naming nominees for 23 seats and leaving 15 for partners.Among the constituencies where Congress announced candidates are New Guwahati, Golakganj, Birsing Jarua, Bilasipara, Mankachar, Dudhnai (ST), Rangia, Dimoria (SC), Mangaldai, Hojai, Dhemaji (ST), Tinsukia and Tingkhong.The party fielded former MP Abdul Khaleque from the newly created Mandia seat, which had earlier emerged as a point of disagreement between Congress and Raijor Dal. Suspended Congress MLA Sherman Ali Ahmed is expected to contest from Mandia on a Raijor Dal ticket.Prominent Congress leaders in the list include Assam PCC general secretary Bipul Gogoi, who was nominated from Tingkhong, and MLA Rekibuddin Ahmed, who will contest from Chamaria. Sitting MLAs Abul Kalam Rasheed Alam and Wazed Ali Choudhury were named candidates from Goalpara East and Birsing Jarua, respectively.Santanu Borah was nominated from New Guwahati.