MP bypoll: 15 candidates submit papers

Bhopal, Oct 12 (UNI) Candidates of Madhya Pradesh's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and main opposition Congress were among 15 aspirants who submitted their nomination papers today for the October 30 byelection to Balaghat district's Lanji assembly constituency, official sources said.

Today was the last day for submitting papers.

Ms Dhareshwari Devi Bhatere (BJP), ex-MLA Bhagwat Bhau Nagpure (Cong), Mr Lakhanpal Bakde (Gondwana Ganatantra Party), Mr Kankar Munjare (Janata Party), Mr Budhram Devgade (Bharatiya Janshakti) and ten independents submitted papers today. A total 24 candidates have done so.

Ms Bhatere submitted papers in the presence of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, BJP state President Narendra Singh Tomar and other senior leaders. A meeting was later addressed by Mr Chouhan and others.

Mr Nagpure submitted papers in the presence of Congress state President Subhash Yadav, MLA and former Minister Harvansh Singh and other leaders.

The bypoll was necessitated by the death of BJP MLA and former minister Dileep Bhatere whose wife is the saffron party nominee.

Republican Party of India candidate A K Siddharth and independent Abdul Saeed submitted papers yesterday. Independent candidates Prakash and Hutesh submitted papers on October 10.

Scrutiny would take place tomorrow and October 15 is the last date for withdrawal of candidature. Counting is scheduled for November 3.

UNI