In Himachal Pradesh, a total of 601 candidates of different political parties filed their nomination papers for the 68-member state assembly election due to be held on the 4th of next month. The scrutiny of the nomination papers is taking place today and 20th October is the last day for withdrawal of nomination papers. The prominent among those who filed their nomination are State Congress President Virbhadra Singh, the leader of the opposition Vidya Stocks and BJP State President Satpal Satti.The clear picture of the number of contesting candidates of various political parties will emerge only after the withdrawal of nomination papers.Meanwhile, the electioneering is gaining momentum as the election is drawing nearer. The main fight is between the ruling BJP and Congress Party. However, Himachal Lokhit Party, a splinter group BJP has formed an alliance known as Himachal Lok Morch with CP-M and CPI and the morcha is contesting all the seats.Bahujana Samaj Party, Nationalist Congress Party, Trinumool Congress and Shiv Sena have also fielded their candidates in the election.