545 candidates in fray for Phase-I Asom polls

Guwahati, Mar 21 (UNI) Altogether 545 nominations have been cleared for the first phase of Asom polls on April 3 after the last date of withdrawal ended yesterday.

Addressing mediapersons here today, Chief Electoral Officer J P Prakash said of the total candidates in the fray, 505 were males and the rest female forming less than 8 per cent of the total candidates.

Algapur constituency in Hailakandi district has the maximum number of candidates with 25 vying for the seat, Mr Prakash said, adding that two Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) would be used in every polling booth as one machine could list only 16 candidates.

He said Titabor constituency in Jorhat district has the least number of four candidates.

Of the recognised political parties, BJP has 65 candidates in the fray for the first phase while INC- 64, AGP- 54, NCP- 25 and CPI and CPI(M) eight each. The remaining candidates were from unrecognised parties or Independents.

Altoghter 28 nominations were rejected and 22 withdrawn for the first phase of polls in 65 legislative assembly constituencies.

UNI SG KK RD 1825