Over 2,900 candidates filed nominations seeking people's mandate in the Rajasthan state assembly elections, scheduled to take place Dec 1, officials said Tuesday.
A senior officer of the Election Commission of Rajasthan told IANS that Tuesday was the last day for filing the nomination.
"A total of over 2,900 candidates have filed over 3,900 nominations for 200 assembly seats since Nov 5 as per the information available till 8 p.m. from across the state Tuesday," the officer added.
He said maximum number of nominations were filed Nov 9 and Nov 11. As per the Hindu calendar, aspirants considered the two dates auspicious for filing nominations.
State Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Pradesh Congress Committee president Chandrabhan were among the 861 candidates who filed their nomination papers Monday.
Former chief minister of Rajasthan and state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Vasundhara Raje also filed her nomination from Jhalawar district's Jhalrapatan constituency Monday.
Accompanied by a crowd of supporters, Raje, while filing the nomination, vowed to change the "pathetic" present state of Rajasthan if BJP came to power.
Scrutiny of papers will take place Nov 13 and candidates can withdraw nomination by Nov 16.
The Congress and the BJP are fighting on almost all constituencies while the National People's Party (NPP), contesting for the first time, has over 150 candidates and the Bahujan Samaj Party is in the fray in over 100 seats.
Gehlot is confident of the Congress retaining power with a thumping majority while Raje claims BJP will win because of the misrule and corruption of the incumbent government.
NPP, headed by Kirorilal Meena, hopes to be the king maker. The party on whose tickets rebel candidates of the Congress and the BJP are contesting elections, hopes to perform "surprisingly well" in the elections.
"The fight is mainly between the Congress and the BJP, however NPP may hurt the prospects of both the political parties in at least 20-30 constituencies," said Vijay Sharma, a keen political watcher.
Sharma said besides NPP, rebel factor may also hurt both the main political parties.
"Rebel factor may hurt both the parties, but it might hurt BJP more as at least in 50-60 odd constituencies the party is facing problems," he said adding the party has already started to hold talks with these disgruntled leaders and picture would be clear after the withdrawals.
