Imphal, January 24: With 13 candidates withdrawing their nomination papers and with two others being rejected, altogether 77 candidates are left in the fray for the first phase polling which will be held on February 8 in 19 Assembly segments spread across Thoubal district, Ukhrul district and Senapati district.

Today, January 24, was the last date for withdrawing the nomination papers.

Earlier 92 intending candidates had filed their nomination papers for the first phase polling, but with 13 withdrawing and 2 being rejected, the number of candidates has been whittled down to 77.The nomination paper of Aleng Shimrah was rejected in Ukhrul Assembly Constituency while the nomination paper of Amrita Ningshen was also rejected in Phungyar Assembly Constituency.

The candidates who withdrew their nomination papers are, M Shambi an Independent from Heirok AC, Moirangthem Rame of the LJSP from Wangjing Tentha AC, Kh Angou, an Independent candidate from Khangabok AC, Abdul Sattar, an Independent from Kakching AC, N Solomon and K Somi both Independent candidates from Phungyar AC, David K Shimray an Independent from Chingai AC, Paolenmang Kipgen of the LJSP from Saikul AC, Soso Lorho, Independent from Mao AC, L David of LJSP from Kangpokpi AC, Anand Bista of the NNP from Kangpokpi AC, LS John an Independent from Kangpokpi AC and Jamkhosei of the LJSP from Saitu AC.

Meanwhile a total of 37 candidates have filed their nomination papers till date for the second phase polling scheduled on February 14.The INC leads the way with 11 of its candidates filing their nomination papers, followed by SPF ally CPI with nine, MPP six, RJD two, NCP three, BJP two, MSCP one, NPP one and one Independent.

Number of candidates in each AC
First phase polling
(1) Lilong AC--3,
(2) Thoubal AC--3,
(3) Wangkhem AC--6,
(4) Heirok AC--4,
(5) Wangjing Tentha--4,
(6) Khangabok AC--3,
(7) Wabagai AC--4,
(8) Kakching AC--3,
(9) Hiyanglam AC--4,
(10) Sugnu AC--4,
(11) Phungyar AC-3,
(12) Ukhrul AC--4,
(13) Chingai AC--4,
(14) Saikul AC--3,
(15) Karong AC--6,
(16) Mao AC--5,
(17) Tadubi AC--4,
(18) Kangpokpi--6,
(19) Saitu AC--4.