42 in fray for Chhattisgarh bypolls

Raipur, May 15 (UNI) A total of 42 candidates have submitted nomination papers for the June 2 bypolls to Chhattisgarh's Khairagarh and Malkharauda (SC) assembly seats as the process drew to a close today.

''Twenty nominees submitted papers today for Malkharauda in Janjgir-Champa district where the total is 31. They include Mr Mohanmani Jatwar (Cong), Mr Nirmal Sinha (BJP), Mr Lalsai Khunte (BSP) and Ms Savitri Jat (Chhattisgarh Vikas Party). The 1,71,752-strong electorate includes 85,529 women,'' the state's Deputy Chief Election Officer S R Bandhe told UNI.

Eleven nominees, including Ms Padma Singh (Cong), Ms Komal Janghel (BJP), Mr Kumbhlal Sahu (BSP) and Mr Bholaram (SS), have submitted their papers for Rajnandgaon district's Khairagarh whose 1,47,600-strong electorate comprises 74,776 women.

''Scrutiny will take place tomorrow and papers may be withdrawn until May 18. Counting is scheduled for June 5,'' said Mr Bandhe.

Khairagarh fell vacant after MLA Devavrat Singh quit in the wake of being elected to Parliament from Rajnandgaon while the election of Mr Khunte from Malkharauda was annulled in court.

UNI