Sontosh Mohan Deb

Former Minister for Steel Sontosh Mohan Deb was one of high-profile ex-Union ministers in the fray this time.

A veteran Parliamentarian, this 70-year old Congress leader from Assam is known for his efficiency and quick decision making as was seen during his earlier stints as minister in Congress governments.

The pipe-smoking Dev began public life as Chairman of the Municipal Board of his home town of Silchar from where he was elected to the Lok Sabha for the first time in 1980. He had retained the seat till 1996.

Former Minister for Steel Sontosh Mohan Deb was one of high-profile ex-Union ministers in the fray this time.

Deb also has had successful stints as Minister of State for Home in the Rajiv Gandhi's Cabinet and Congress party's Chief Whip.

The contest in his constituency in Silchar, Assam, was interesting because of its history. Deb was elected from here for the first time in 1980 but lost to BJP's Kabindra Purkayastha in 1991 and 1998. This year, he made Purkayastha bite the dust. He is now set to embark on a new phase in his eventful life.