Guwahati, 13 September (HS): The Congress has not yet finalised its candidate for the upcoming Nagaon Lok Sabha by-election, with party national general secretary and Assam in-charge Bhupesh Baghel saying that the announcement could not be made on Sunday as all offices remained closed.

Baghel said the party held meetings for two consecutive days to discuss the candidature. But, failed to arrive at a final decision. He said that a report on the discussions would be submitted to the All India Congress Committee (AICC), which would take the final call on the candidate.

The delay has highlighted differences within the Assam Congress over the selection of the nominee. Party sources indicated that internal discussions and disagreements have continued despite the meetings.

Senior Congress leader and outgoing Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Assembly, Debabrata Saikia, has also expressed displeasure over the alleged sidelining of senior leaders in the party's decision-making process.

The Nagaon Lok Sabha seat fell vacant following the exit of Pradyut Bordoloi from the Congress. The by-election is scheduled for October 6, with counting of votes to be held on October 9. Ruling BJP has nominated its candidate to former IAS officer Devashish Sharma, AIUDF and Trunmul Congress have also announced their candidates.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash