293 in fray for 2nd phase 488 file paper for 3rd phase in WB

With the withdrawal of seven candidates, all independents, altogether 293 candidates remained in the fray for the April 23 second phase Assembly election for 50 seats in West Bengal.

Of the seven independent candidates who withdrew, one each was from Lalgola and Murshidabad seats in Murshidabad district, one from Chapra in Nadia district, and one each from Suri and Rampurhat and two from Muraroi in Birbhum district, Election Commission sources said here today.

Election to three districts -Murshidabad, Nadia and Birbhum - would be held in the second phase on April 23. Meanwhile, with the filing of 113 nominations on the last day today for the April 27 third phase election, total number of nominations reached 488, the sources said.

Additional Chief Electoral Officer N K Sahana said the holiday on April 14 would not not be treated under N I Act and thus all statutory works of the commission would continue on that day. The Commission also announced the rate for acquisition of private vehicles for election purpose.