In Gujarat the election campaign for 87 Assembly constituencies going to polls in the Ist phase of polling ended this evening. 87 constituencies spread over 15 districts will go to polls in this phase on Thursday. Top political leaders of national parties including Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Congress President Sonia Gandhi and General Secy. Rahul Gandhi and BJP stalwart L.K.Advani, leaders of the opposition in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Sushma Sawraj and Arun Jaitley addressed a series of rallies to win the support of voters.

AIR correspondent reports while the Narendra Modi highlighted the achievements of his government in the election campaign, the opposition leaders including Rahul Gandhi alleged that his government failed to fulfill the promises made to the people.

846 candidates including 46 women are in contest in this phase of election. Only ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has fielded its candidates in all 87 constituencies. The main opposition Congress has fielded its nominees in 83 segments leaving 3 seats for its ally Nationalist Congress Party. Rebel BJP leader and former Chief Minister of the state Mr Keshubhai Patel's recently floated Gujarat Parivartan Party has fielded candidates for 83 seats. The Bahujan Samaj Party is contesting 79 constituencies and Samajwadi Party 22 seats.Janata Dal United has fielded its nominees in 33 seats.