16 candidates file nominations for LS polls in Karnataka

A BJP nominee is among the 16 candidates who filed their nominations in Karnataka on Thursday for the first phase of Lok Sabha polls in the state.

G S Basavaraj filed his papers from Tumkur constituency, hours before his candidature was officially announced by the party in New Delhi in the evening.

A total of 18 nominations have been received from 16 candidates on Thursday, poll officials said, adding that cumulative nominations filed stands at 46 from 37 candidates.

Other than one BJP candidate, most of the nominations were mainly from independents and from smaller parties.

Though the BJP has announced a list of 21 candidates lateon Thursday evening, the Congress and JD(S), the other two major political parties, are yet to announce their list.

The Congress and JD(S) that have decided to fight the polls in alliance will contest for 20 and 8 seats respectively.

Karnataka will go to the polls in two phases, 14 constituencies each, on April 18 and 23.

While the last date for filing of nominations for the first phase of Lok Sabha polls is on March 26, scrutinywill take place on March 27.

The last date for withdrawal is March 29.

For the second phase polls on April 23, notification will be issued on March 28.

The last date for filing nomination is April 4.

Scrutiny will take place on April 5 and the last day for withdrawal April 8.

Counting of votes and announcement of results for both phases is scheduled for May 23.