In Uttar Pradesh, hectic campaigning is on for Assembly elections in the areas going to polls in the first phase as nomination process for 55 seats completed on Monday. AIR correspondent reports that a few independent candidates today withdrew their candidature. Election for this phase comprising 10 districts of Central, Eastern and Terai regions, will be held on the 8th February. Today was also the last date of filing nominations for 59 assembly segments of the second phase.

The nominations are on for 56 assembly seats that are undergoing polls on 15th February. Meanwhile, the Election Commission has launched massive voter awareness programme in the areas going to polls in the first and second phase.

In Uttarakhand, development and corruption are the main issues. Star campaigners of Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party, Bahujan Samaj Party and other political parties are giving priority to both the issues in their election rallies across the state.

In Punjab, the election campaign has picked up. The political parties in their rallies, are highlighting the promises made by them in their manifestoes. Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni on Monday said that anti-incumbency factor would play a major role in the assembly elections in Punjab and voters of the state would dethrone the SAD-BJP alliance from power.

In Manipur, as the Assembly poll date draws nearer, political parties are trying hard to woo the voters in their constituencies. Security has been tightened across the state and armed forces personnel can be seen patrolling on the streets.

In Goa, Congress Party on Monday claimed that they will target minimum thirty seats with or without alliance partners in the assembly polls slated on March 3. Addressing media-men at Congress House in Panaji, former Union Law Minister and spokesman of the party Mr. Ramakant Khalap said the party hopes for a smooth sailing in the coming polls and is confident of winning 25 seats.