4 NE Cong leaders in fray for CWC berth

NEW DELHI, January 19: At least four senior Congress leaders from the Northeast, including two from Assam, are in the race for a berth in the all-powerful Congress Working Committee (CWC). The Barak Valley strong-man and former Union Minister, Santosh Mohan Dev, former State minister Anwara Taimur from Assam, Nagaland Chief Minister SC Jamir and former Mizoram Chief Minister Lalthanhawla are lobbying to secure a nomination to the 24-member body. Absence of former Lok Sabha Speaker PA Sangma from the scene has led to a better prospect for other senior leaders from the region to secure a nomination. Of the four contenders, the Nagaland Chief Minister is a special invitee to the CWC. Sources said while Santosh Mohan Dev is trying to get the backing of the Northeast Congress Coordination Committee (NECCC), Anwara Taimur is playing the women card.