Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president, Nabam Tuki, on Thursday announced that the central election committee (CEC) of the Indian National Congress (INC) has directed him to contest for the Member of Parliament (MP) seat in the West parliamentary constituency of the state.
However, he mentioned he is yet to receive an official letter from the party regarding this directive.
Addressing a press conference at the Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan here, Nabam Tuki stated that while contesting in the state legislative assembly election along with Lok Sabha seats is his personal decision, contesting for the Lok Sabha seat is mandatory as per the directive.
He revealed that the decision was made during the Central Election Committee (CEC) meeting held in New Delhi.
Additionally, the party will also contest in the East parliamentary constituency, and if feasible, will contest all 60 assembly seats in the state.
Nabam Tuki mentioned that the party’s state election committee had previously recommended three names for contesting the two MP seats in the state. Other names from different parties in the state had also approached the party, but the CEC recommended maintaining face value within the party.
“In 2019, I contested for both Lok Sabha and state legislative assembly elections but failed to win in Lok Sabha. The party leadership is aware of this and therefore directed me to contest the MP election,” he said.
When asked if he is contesting from the Sagalee assembly constituency, Tuki, also a former chief minister, stated that the final decision rests with the party leadership.
He expressed willingness to contest for both Lok Sabha and state legislative assembly seats if the party decides.
The APCC president also informed that during the CEC meeting, the party released a draft manifesto for the upcoming general election, which will soon be presented to the public of the state and the country.
Regarding the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Tuki expressed concerns about its impact on the entire northeastern region. However, he assured that if the Congress comes to power, the party will work towards re-amending the act for the welfare of the country.
In terms of the state, Tuki emphasised that the party’s focus will be on providing jobs to the unemployed. The party’s manifesto will address every issue hindering the state’s growth.
Arunachal Congress releases candidate list
The Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) also announced its first list of candidates for the upcoming Arunachal Pradesh assembly polls, slated for April 19.
The names of 34 were revealed by the central election committee of the All India Congress Committee (AICC).
The list includes three former ministers and three women nominees, with a majority of first-time contenders.
Among the prominent figures in the list were former ministers Kumar Waii (Bameng), Takam Pario (Palin), and Tanga Byaling from Nacho constituency.
The party also included three women candidates Gollo Yapung Tana from Pakke Kessang constituency, Jermai Krong (Tezu), and Marina Kenglang from Changlang North constituency.
Several first-time candidates were also listed, including Sanhey Phutsok (Mukto), Kompu Dolo (Chayang-Tajo), Tame Gyadi (Seppa East), Nabam Tado (Doimukh), Rughu Tado (Tali), Reri Kirbe Dulom (Daporijo), Yomkar Riba (Basar), Tallng Yaying (Rumgong), Takku Jerang (Panging), Bimar Dabi (Nari-Koyu), and Okom Yosung (Pasighat East).
Other debutants include Tapyam Pada (Pasighat West), Karo Tayeng (Mebo), Losi Lego (Mariyang-Geku), Eri Tayu (Anini), Tobin Lego (Dambuk), Chenge Mitapo (Roing), Bafutso Krong (Hayuliang), Bayamso Kri (Chowkham), Shotika Hopak (Namsai), Tama Tamar Tara (Lekang), Khimshom Mossang (Nampong), Timpu Ngemu (Changlang South), Tangse Tekwa (Khonsa West), Sompha Wangsa (Kanubari), and Holai Wangsa from Pongchou-Wakka constituency.
Yumlam Achung, who previously contested from the Itanagar constituency in 2019, is running for the second time, along with Chatu Longri from the Miao constituency.
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