Congress fielding Nabam Tuki for both Lok Sabha and Assembly elections

Guwahati, March 25, 2015:

It a truly bizarre turn, Congress’ Nabam Tuki has been chosen by the party to contest both the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections. Tuki was initially chosen as the Congress candidate from Arunachal West as Congress President Rahul Gandhi issued a directive that former Chief Ministers of Northeast India be fielded by the Congress. But Tuki’s candidature as an Assembly election candidate came as a shock to many.

The former Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Nabam Tuki, whose name has been listed as the candidate from Arunachal West for the Lok Sabha election, is also contesting the Assembly elections as Tuki’s name has been listed as a candidate contesting from Sagalee (ST) seat in Arunachal Pradesh.

It is rather surprising as the Congress has many eligible candidates from the region but instead chose to field one person in two elections, which will be held simultaneously on April 11. Does the cushion of the Assembly election for the former Chief Minister show the Congress’ lack of faith in their candidate from Arunachal West, Tuki?

It may be mentioned that the Arunachal Pradesh will go to the polls on April 11 to decide 60 Assembly seats and 2 Lok Sabha seats.