Congress, AIUDF back anti-CAA activist for RS polls

The Congress and the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) will back noted journalist and anti-CAA activist Ajit Kumar Bhuyan as a candidate for the Rajya Sabha election from Assam, the two parties announced here on Wednesday.

Holding a joint media meet, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) Chief Ripun Bora and AIUDF legislator Hafiz Bashir Ahmed Qasimi announced their decision to support Bhuyan.

Bora said Bhuyan has sent a letter to the state Congress and AIUDF seeking the support of the two outfits for his Rajya Sabha bid.

"We have decided to back Bhuyan as he is a neutral candidate," said the Assam Congress chief.

Bhuyan has been one of the leading figures of the volatile movement against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.

The notification for the RS polls was issued on March 6, with March 13 being the last date for filing nominations.

The scrutiny will take place on March 14 and March 18 is the last date for withdrawal of candidature. The polls are scheduled for March 26. The votes will be counted the same day. IANS