2,655 candidates in fray for local elections in SW Indian state

NEW DELHI, April 28 (Xinhua) -- A total of 2,655 candidates including 219 women are in the fray for the upcoming local elections in southwestern Indian state of Karnataka, election officials said Saturday.

As per election commission of India, elections for the 224-member lawmaking body is scheduled to be held on May 12.

Officials said India's ruling Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) is contesting from all the 224 constituencies of the state, and the Congress party has fielded its candidates from 222 constituencies and Janata Dal-Secular from 201.

Apart from this, 2,008 candidates will be contesting elections as independents and be on behalf of national, regional and fringe parties.

The counting of votes will take place on May 15.

Chief Electoral Office in Karnataka said 583 candidates withdrew their candidatures and 271 nominations were rejected during the scrutiny.

Analysts say the elections are politically crucial for the ruling Congress-led government in the state.

The BJP is trying hard to unseat the Congress party in the state.

Heads of both Congress party and BJP are making tours in the state to win elections. Enditem