53 nominations rejected: 109 nominations filed in phase II

Lucknow, Mar 21 (UNI) Altogether 53 nomination papers were rejected during scrutiny out of the total 961 candidates, who had filed their papers for the first phase of Uttar Pradesh polls in 62 assembly constituencies spread over 13 districts on April seven.

After a delay, the EC rejected the allegation made by Congress candidate Ajay Yadav against Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav about ''concealing facts'' in the assets' affidavit filed for the Bharthana assembly seat in Etawah district.

Now, a total of 908 candidates are in fray for the first phase of polls with the highest 29 nominations for Agra Cantonment and 26 candidates from Soro seat in Etah district.

Mauranipur (SC) in Jhansi district has the lowest number of 5 candidates, followed by eight candidates in Garautha seat in the same district.

A total of 14 candidates are in the fray for the Bharthana seat where CM Mr Yadav is contesting.

A maximum of six nomination papers were rejected in the Soron seat, while in Kalyanpur seat in Kanpur, the nomination papers of four candidates were rejected.

For the Bilhaur Lok Sabha by-election to be held along with the first phase polling, 12 candidates are in fray with one nomination rejected in scrutiny.

March 23 is the last date of withdrawal of nominations for the first phase.

Meanwhile, for the second phase of polling for 58 assembly seats in 10 districts, where polling is slated on April 13, 109 candidates filed their nomination papers today. Now, a total of 150 candidates are in fray in the second phase so far.

Prominent among those, who filed their nominations are former ministers Ramveer Upadhyay (Hathras), Jaiveer Singh (Barauli) - both of BSP and Samajwadi Party ministers Kiran Pal Singh (Agota), Madan Chauhan (Garhmukteshwar) and Sanjay Garg (Saharanpur).

Candidates can file their nominations till March 24, while scrutiny will be done on March 26 in the second phase. Nomination can be withdrawn till March 28.

UNI