Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab has moved a step closer to the May 26 civic body elections, with the State Election Commission releasing the list of eligible candidates after scrutiny of nomination papers.
According to official information, a total of 10,809 nominations were filed for 105 seats across Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, and Nagar Panchayats in the state. After scrutiny conducted on May 18, 713 nomination papers were rejected due to various reasons, leaving 10,096 candidates in the fray.
For the eight Municipal Corporations, 2,154 nominations were received. Out of these, 151 applications were rejected, while 2,003 candidates were declared eligible to contest.
In the Municipal Councils category, 7,334 nominations were submitted. Following scrutiny, 447 papers were rejected, leaving 6,887 candidates in the electoral race.
Similarly, for Nagar Panchayats, 1,321 nominations were filed, of which 115 were rejected. A total of 1,206 candidates remain in contention.
Tuesday evening has been set as the final deadline for withdrawal of nominations. The actual number of candidates contesting the elections will become clear once the withdrawal process is completed.
Meanwhile, protests have erupted in several districts of Punjab over the rejection of nomination papers. Candidates and supporters have raised objections, alleging irregularities in the scrutiny process.
Punjab will go to polls for the civic body elections on May 26, while counting of votes and declaration of results will take place on May 29.
