Guwahati, May 28: The AICC is likely to announce the Congress Legislature Party leader in Assam "anytime now" after a central team, led by Ambika Soni, submitted the views of recently elected MLAs to the high command for approval today, party insiders said. Former minister Ajanta Neog and two-time MLA Debabrata Saikia are ahead in the race, they added.

Neog is a three-time MLA, a former minister and close to former chief minister Tarun Gogoi. "But will she able to revive the party and attract new people to the fold because she will be seen as part of the Gogoi government which was perceived as a failure?" one of them asked.

Debabrata, the 51-year-old son of former chief minister Hiteswar Saikia, may get a look-in as most MLAs had told the AICC team yesterday that they were looking for a new face to lead the party. "A good and positive message should go to the people and our members through the appointment of the CLP leader," a PCC office-bearer said. Gogoi has ruled himself out of the race owing to his age. Others who have evinced interest in the post are senior MLAs Rakibul Hussain and Pranab Gogoi.

Apart from the CLP, the party will also have to appoint a deputy leader and chief whip in the Assembly. "Here too, we need to look at people with potential," a source said.