Defying maoist threat, over 67 per cent voters cast their ballots in the first phase of Chhattisgarh Assembly elections yesterday. Briefing reporters in New Delhi Deputy Election Commissioner R. Balakrishnan said one CRPF jawan was killed in Dantewada district in an encounter between the security forces and naxals. After the first phase of elections, the focus has now been shifted to the other 72 constituencies where polling will be held on 19th of this month. Our correspondent reports that 842 candidates are in the fray.
In Rajasthan more than 850 candidates filed their nomination papers yesterday. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot filed his nomination from Sardarpura and State BJP President Vasundhara Raje from Jhalrapatan. Above 1300 Candidates have filed nomination papers so far for 200 Assembly seats. Today is the last day for filing nomination papers.
In Madhya Pradesh, a total of 2587 candidates are in the fray after the end of deadline for withdrawal of nominations. Our Bhopal correspondent reports that several rebels of BJP and Congress withdrew their nominations yesterday.
In Mizoram, with just 14 days away from the polling day electioneering activies is gaining momentum. Altogether 142 candidates are in the fray till the the last moment of withdrawal of candidature ended yesterday.
The Congress has released the names of 56 candidates in their first list for the Delhi Assembly election. The names of 42 sitting MLAs, including Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and her Cabinet colleagues figure in the list. The list includes 3 women candidates. 17 candidates filed their nominations on the second day yesterday in the state. Our Correspondent reports that the BJP along with its ally the Akali Dal has already declared 62 candidates so far.
Meanwhile, Congress has moved the Election Commission against BJP's Chief ministerial candidate Harsh Vardhan accusing him of making distorted claims on polio eradication.
Speaking on Aam Aadmi party's funding, the Home Minister Mr. Sushil Kumar Shinde has said that the government has received complaints that the party is getting funds from abroad and it is being investigated.
