In Assam, Opposition unity goes for a toss; Congress, CPI(ML) fields separate candidates in Behali

GUWAHATI, Oct 24: The much talked about opposition unity in Assam has gone for a toss in Assam with the Congress and the CPI(ML), both constituents of the newly rechristened Assam Sonmilita Mancha, fielding separate candidates in Behali which goes to by-elections on Nov 13.

Internal bickering in the Opposition conglomerate had come to full public glare as the Congress party, which had initially agreed to leaving the seat to the CPI(ML) made a u-turn, and named Jayanta Bora as the party candidate.

Significantly, Jayanta Bora is a BJP turncoat and is yet to formally join the Congress party. As such, questions are being raised as to how a person, who is not a member of the Congress, can be named as party candidate.

On the other hand, the CPI(ML) also named its candidate, awarding the ticket to Lakshikanta Kurmi.

Constituents of the Opposition conglomerate have now hit out at the Congress, accusing the party of betraying them.