Assam Assembly election: Over 173 candidates file nominations for 47 seats in phase 1

Guwahati: More than 173 candidates have filed their nominations for 47 Assam Assembly seats going to polls in the first phase on 27 March, the state's chief electoral officer said on Tuesday.The last date of submission of nominations for the first phase was Tuesday.The number of candidates filing papers would increase as some districts are yet to submit their list, an official said.Among prominent candidates who filed nominations on the last day were Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal from Majuli, sitting BJP MLAs Angoorlata Deka from Batadroba, Ashok Singhal from Dhekiajuli, Mrinal Saikia from Khumtai, and Padma Hazarika from Sootea, sitting Congress MLA Rupjyoti Kurmi from Mariani and former Congress minister Bismita Gogoi from Khumtai.Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) president Lurinjyoti Gogoi filed his nominations from both Duliajan and Naharkatiya constituencies.Jailed Raijor Dal leader Akhil Gogoi will also contest in the first phase from Mariani and Sibsagar seats as an Independent candidate, as the party is yet to be recognised by the Election Commission.Scrutiny will be held on 10 March and the last date of withdrawal is 12 March.Elections to the 126-member assembly will be held in three phases on 27 March, 1 and 6 April .