Guwahati, Mar 10: The All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) released its first list of nine candidates for the upcoming Assam Legislative Assembly election across the state’s 126 constituencies, according to a party circular.

AIUDF president Badruddin Ajmal announced the list on Monday night. The party retained three sitting MLAs—Aminul Islam, Hafiz Rafizul Islam, and Nijanur Rahman—who currently represent the Dhing, Jania, and Gauripur constituencies respectively.

The list also includes two women candidates: Minakshi Rahman for Pakabetbari and Sabana Akhtar for Bilasipara. Other nominees named by the party are Abu Taher Bepari (Parbatjhora), Rejaul Karim Sarkar (Srijangram), Matiur Rahman (Dhing), and Siddique Ahmed (Laharighat).

The elections, scheduled for next month, will be the first assembly polls in Assam after the 2023 delimitation exercise.

AIUDF is contesting the elections independently following earlier discussions on joining the Congress-led opposition alliance.

In the current 126-member Assam Legislative Assembly, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party holds 64 seats. Its allies include Asom Gana Parishad with nine seats, United People’s Party Liberal with seven, and Bodoland People’s Front with three.

The opposition comprises the Indian National Congress with 26 seats, AIUDF with 15, Communist Party of India (Marxist) with one seat, and one Independent member.