Lakhimpur/Diphu, November 2 (PTI): Altogether eight contestants have filed their nominations for the November 19 by-poll to Lakhimpur parliamentary and Boithlangso (ST) assembly constituencies, election office sources said. Today was the last day for filing nominations. Five candidates have filed their papers for Lakhimpur parliamentary seat, while three are contesting for the Boithlangso (ST) seat in Karbi Anglong district. Those who have thrown in their hats for the Lakhimpur seat are Pradan Barua (BJP), Hema Hari Pegu (Cong), Amiya Handique (CPI-ML), Hemkanta Miri (SUCI) and Dilip Moran (Independent). Moran was BJP MLA from Doomdooma but had resigned from the party in July. The seat had fallen vacant following the election of Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who had represented the constituency in Parliament, from Majuli assembly seat in May. In Boithlangso (ST) Mansing Rongpi (BJP), Rupamsing Ronghung (Cong) and Raju Rongpi (Ind) are in the fray. The seat had fallen vaccant with the resignation of Mansing Rongpi from Congress to join the BJP on July 12. For both the bye-elections scrutiny of nominations will be held tomorrow and November 5 is the last date for withdrawal of candidature. Polling in the two seats would be held on November 19 from 7 am to 4 pm and the election would be completed before November 24, according to the Election Commission notification.
