Uttarakhand begins poll process

The filing of nominations for the February 21 Assembly elections in Uttarakhand began on Thursday, with the issuance of notification in this regard.

"The notification for the February 21 elections has been issued," Chief Electoral Officer N Ravishanker said.

The last date of the filing of nominations will be February 1 and scrutiny would take place on February 2.

The last date for withdrawal of nominations is February 5 and polling will be held on February 21. The counting will take place on February 27.

A total of 70 Assembly seats are up for grabs in the ensuing elections with the ruling Congress and the main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party being considered front runners to capture power.