860 nomination papers rejected for assembly polls

Chennai, Apr 22 (UNI) As many as 860 nomination papers filed for the May eight Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu have been rejected after scrutiny.

A total of 3,725 candidates, a majority of them Independents, had filed their papers from April 13 to April 20. When these were taken up for scrutiny yesterday, 860 papers, mainly those of Independents and 'dummy' candidates, were rejected, as they were found not in order.

However, nominations of star candidates, including AIADMK supremo and Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, DMK President M Karunanidhi and actor Vijayakanth, were found in order.

In all, nominations of 2,865 candidates were accepted but the final number of candidates left in the fray, would be known only after the last date for withdrawal of candidature on April 24.

Meanwhile, the office of the Chief Electoral Officer(CEO) here said the notice of withdrawal would not be received from candidates tomorrow as it happens to be a Sunday (public holiday).

UNI AKN KVV SY VC1950