Odisha polls : Scrutiny of nomination papers for first phase begins

Bhubaneswar, Mar 24:

Scrutiny of nomination papers filed by a total of 718 candidates for the 70 Odisha Assembly and 10 Lok Sabha seats that go to polls on April 10 began today.

While 582 candidates have filed nomination papers for 70 Assembly seats for the first phase of polls, 136 candidates have filed nominations for 10 Lok Sabha constituencies. The nomination process for the first phase concluded on Saturday.

As many as 35 candidates have filed nominations for Berhampur Lok Sabha seat while 20 candidates have filed for the Aska Lok Sabhs seat, sources in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) said.

While the scrutiny of nominations for the first phase election has begun today, the candidates can withdraw their nominations on March 26, said an official of the CEO.

The last date for filing nomination for the second phase of election for 11 Lok Sabha and 77 Assembly constituencies in the state is March 26.

Meanwhile, the three major political parties are yet to declare some names for remaining Lok Sabha and Assembly seats.

While ruling BJD is yet to declare candidates for 17 Assembly seats, Congress has not declared one Lok Sabha seat, Kendrapada and 25 Assembly seats. The BJP too is yet to name it’s candidates for 2 Lok Sabha and 29 Assembly seats.