Guwahati, March 26: Aided by cross-voting by opposition BJP legislators, Congress today won an extra Rajya Sabha seat in Assam.
Congress nominees Nazneen Farouque and Silvius Condpan won securing 43 and 42 votes respectively while Jayanta Baruah, a media baron who was the common opposition candidate, lost the election by polling 40 votes.
Given Congress’ strength of 54 in the 126-member House at present, the party was in position to win just one while the opposition could have ensured Baruah’s win had it remained united.
The state assembly has 126 members with Congress having 54 members, AGP-24, BJP-10, AUDF-10, Independents- 24, CPI (M)-2 and CPI and Autonomous State Demand Committee (ASDC) one each.
–Agencies