Tarun Gogoi files nomination from Titabor for 4th consecutive term

Titabor: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Friday filed his nomination papers from the prestigious Titabor Assembly constituency, seeking re-election for the fourth consecutive term, on the last date of filing nominations for first phase of polls scheduled on April 4.

The 80-year-old veteran Congress leader, accompanied by his wife Dolly Gogoi, addressed party workers at the Rajiv Gandhi playground before undertaking a road show on his way to the office of the Titabor Sub-divisional Officer to file his nomination papers.

A visibly emotional Gogoi told reporters outside the SDO office that he was overwhelmed by the love, goodwill and blessings showered on him by the people of Titabor and has been "inspired anew to serve them with renewed vigour".

"People from all walks of life-- young and old and particularly women have come out in such large number to bless me and I am very touched with their response," he said.

"There are very few people of my age still around in Titabor and most are my son's and brother's contemporaries but their faith in me has made me confident about my party's prospects in the ensuing polls," Gogoi said.

The Chief Minister said that he was grateful to the people of his constituency, particularly women who turned out in large numbers on Friday, for assuring him that he should concentrate in other parts of the state while they will take care of Titabor.

Asked about his BJP opponent Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, the Chief Minister said that he extends his blessings to the young contestant.

Tasa, a first time MP from Jorhat Lok Sabha constituency, also filed his nomination earlier in the day and was accompanied by his party's chief ministerial candidate and Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

Asked about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled campaigning in the state next week, the Chief Minister said that it shows that the state BJP leaders are not capable enough and the Prime Minister has to come to help them out.

Among other prominent candidates who filed their nominations on the last day on Friday are former two-time AGP Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta from Baharampur, former AGP President Brindaban Goswami, former Congress ministers Prodyut Bordoloi from Margherita and Pranati Phukan from Naharkatiya among others.

The scrutiny will be done tomorrow while the last date of withdrawal is March 21 for 65 of the 126 Assembly constituencies which go to polls in the first phase on April four.