Chhavindra Karma, another candidate file nomination papers

Two candidates filed nomination papers on Thursday, the third day of filing of nominations for the first phase of the Chhattisgarh Assembly polls on November 12.

Chhavindra Karma, an independent, filed his papers for Dantewada seat and Samajwadi Party's nominee Santosh Punem filed papers for Bijapur constituency, a statement from the office of the state's Chief Electoral Officer said.

While the process of filing of nomination papers started on October 16, no candidate filed papers in the first two days.

October 23 is the last date for filing of nomination papers for the first phase. While the scrutiny of nomination papers will take place the next day, the last date for withdrawal is October 26.

Chhavindra Karma, son of late Congress leader Mahendra Karma, is contesting the election as an independent candidate from Dantewada, where her mother Devti Karma, a sitting Congress MLA, has been renominated by the party.

According to Congress sources, Chhavindra had sought ticket from the party, but after it was denied, he decided to stand as an independent.