In the poll-bound states of Assam and West Bengal, the high-decibel electioneering campaign for the second phase of assembly elections reached peak before its conclusion on Tuesday. Most of the leaders focussed on trials of strength through the road shows and mass contact programmes in order to make the final appeal to voters criss-crossing the constituencies on the last day.
In Assam, 345 candidates, including 26 women are in fray for the 39 Assembly Constituencies spread over 13 districts going to polls on Thursday during the second of three-phase elections. There are three main alliances this time including the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance with partners Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and the United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) and Mahajot or Grand Alliance led by the Congress. It includes All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), Bodoland Peoples' Front (BPF) and the Left parties while yet another conglomerate of Assom Jatiya Party (AJP) and Raijor Dal is also there. BJP has fielded 34 candidates, Congress has 28, AJP -19, AIDUF seven, AGP six and BPF has four while 176 independents and others are also trying their luck.
In West Bengal, 171 candidates including 19 women will be vying for the 30 seats in four districts during the second phase. The state is witnessing eight-phase elections. Bharatiya Janata Party and ruling Trinamool Congress are contesting for all the 30 seats while Congress, Left parties and their alliance partner Indian Secular Front are fighting under the banner of Sanyukt Morcha. CPI (M) has fielded 15 candidates, Congress has nine, BSP seven, CPI two and AIFB and RSP one each while there are 32 independents along with 44 others are also in the fray.
