Gujarat poll: 1,534 candidates in fray for phase 1

A total of 1,534 candidates have filed their nomination papers for the 87 constituencies in the first phase of Gujarat Assembly elections on December 13, the officials said.

Saturday was the last day for filing nomination papers for the first phase of the polls.

The scrutiny of nomination forms will take place on November 26.

"We have received nomination forms of 1,534 candidates for the first phase. 988 candidates filed their nominations today. The scrutiny of the nominations will take place on November 26," Additional chief electoral officer Ashok Manek told media persons in Ahmedabad.

Last date of withdrawal of forms is November 28, he said.

Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee president Arjun Modhwadia filed his nomination papers from Porbandar assembly seat on Saturday where the BJP has fielded Babubhai Bokhiriya.

There was heavy rush to file nominations on the last day as parties like Congress and Gujarat Parivartan Party finalised their candidates last night.

About 1.81 crore electors from Saurashtra, South Gujarat and four talukas -- Sanand, Viramgam, Dholka and Dhandhuka -- in western part of Ahmedabad will exercise their franchise in the first phase of voting on December 13.