The Congress on Saturday night released the list of 40 candidates for the first phase of Assembly polls in Assam, fielding PCC chief and sitting Rajya Sabha MP Ripun Bora from Gohpur constituency but looking beyond several party veterans.
Bora’s nomination was along expected lines because his tenure in the Rajya Sabha is ending next year, party insiders said. His wife had contested the seat twice in the past but lost in 2016.
“This is going to be the most important election of his life personally. Winning the seat and a good showing by the party against a formidable BJP-led alliance could make him a strong contender for the CM’s post. A loss for him and the party could cost him the PCC chief,” one of the party insiders said.