Congress announces first list of 34 candidates for Arunachal assembly polls

The Congress party has released its first list of 34 candidates for the upcoming Arunachal Pradesh assembly elections on April 19. Notable exclusions include Nabam Tuki and Bosiram Siram, with Tuki likely to contest for the Arunachal West Lok Sabha seat against BJP nominee Kiren Rijiju.

Among the candidates are three former ministers and three women contenders. First-time candidates will also be challenging key figures such as Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein in various constituencies.

In the previous elections, Congress only managed to win four out of 46 seats they contested. The party faced setbacks recently when three sitting MLAs defected to the ruling BJP. Meanwhile, the BJP has announced all 60 candidates for the polls, including Chief Minister Khandu and Deputy Chief Minister Mein.

The Congress is yet to reveal its candidates for the two Lok Sabha seats in the state. Both the assembly and Lok Sabha elections are scheduled to take place simultaneously on April 19 in Arunachal Pradesh.