AIUDF CANDIDATES FLY BACK TO ASSAM FEARING LOCKDOWN

The candidates of All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), who had been moved to Jaipur due to horse-trading fears, on Friday came back to Assam, fearing an impending lockdown like situation which may not allow them to return to state even at the time of counting of votes on May 2.

As many as 17 candidates were shifted to Fairmont hotel in Jaipur exactly a week ago. They were expected to be in Jaipur till around May 2. The Congress was bearing the expenses of their stay in Jaipur.

Informing that the AIUDF candidates were worried about rising cases of Covid, sources in the party said that some of them expressed fear that if they catch Covid, it would be highly challenging for them to be the part of counting of votes in their respective constituency. “Some of them were of view that their presence on the ground was necessary in selection of counting agents and other representatives at each and every counting tables,” said a functionary of the party while informing that the candidates visited Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot at his residence in Jaipur before proceeding to the airport.

AIUDF general secretary Aminul Islam, a candidate from Mankachar constituency had earlier said, “We have taken some time off. Of course, the risk of horse trading in Assam is high.” Congress chief whip in Rajasthan Mahesh Joshi and party legislator Rafeek Khan were given the responsibility of the election contestants.