29 candidates file papers on first day of filing nominations?

Twenty nine candidates today filed their papers on the first day of filing nominations for the May 12 Karnataka assembly elections.

Among those who did so were one candidate each from BJP and JDS, state electoral authorities said.

Earlier, the ball was set rolling for the polls with the issuance of a gazette notification.

The last date for filing of nominations is April 24.

Scrutiny will be taken up on April 25, while the last? date for withdrawal of candidatures is April 27.

The results of election for 224-member assembly will be? declared on May 15.

While the ruling Congress has so far announced a list of 218 candidates in one go, the BJP has released names of 154 candidates in two lists.

JDS announced a list of 126 candidates in February itself, much before the poll dates were announced.

Both Congress and BJP are beset with dissidence over ticket allocation with supporters of aspirants who failed to make it to the list going on the rampage and resorting to violence at several places.

The poll will see a three-cornered contest between Congress, BJP and JDS in most of the constituencies.

The Congress, which hopes to retain power, has not announced?any Chief Ministerial candidate, but has maintained that?incumbent Siddaramaiah will be the party's "face" during the?polls.

While BJP has announced former Chief Minister Yeddyurappa as its Chief Ministerial candidate, state JDS?chief H D Kumaraswamy will be the man for the top post if the? party comes to power.