PM will file nominations for re-election tomorrow

May 07: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will file his nomination papers on coming Tuesday to seek re-election to Rajya Sabha, in the biennial poll from Assam, scheduled for May 24.

The move was necessitated because the present term for the prime minister in Rajya Sabha will expire next month, on June 14. This would be the fourth term for Singh from north eastern state, who is expected to make two day visit to Assam on Tuesday.

During the present term, Singh became leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha, in 2001, and two years later adorned the seat of prime minister after United Progressive Alliance chairperson and Congress president declined to hold the post.

Besides north eastern state of Assam, Singh also represented Punjab in All India Congress Committee (AICC) from time to time.

Election commission issued notification today indicating that the last date for filing nominations would be May 14. Papers will be scrutinized on May 15 and last date for the withdrawal of candidature would be May 17.

As election for Rajya Sabha is indirect, Electoral College will cast votes on May 24, which will be counted on the same day. Political parties within Assam have the consensus and present election in Rajya Sabha seem to be just a formality.