As many as 3,179 candidates contested Vidhan Sabha elections in Madhya Pradesh during last 6 years till year 2008. Of these, 2,958 were male and 221 female candidates.
During ongoing Vidhan Sabha election for 14th Vidhan Sabha, 4,882 candidates filed their nominations of which 608 were rejected and 887 candidates withdrew their nominations. Thus, 2,583 candidates of 66 political parties and independents were in the poll fray.
There were 2,171 candidates in Vidhan Sabha elections in year 2003 including 1972 male and 199 female ones. In all, 3061 candidates filed their nominations. Of these, 564 were rejected and 326 candidates withdrew their candidature.
In undivided Madhya Pradesh, 2510 candidates had tried their luck in Vidhan Sabha elections in year 1998. Of these, 2329 were male and 181 female candidates. After scrutiny of 4104, as many as 1037 nominations were rejected and 557 candidates withdrew their candidature.
Similarly, there were 3729 candidates in Vidhan Sabha elections in year 1993 including 3565 male and 164 female ones. In all, 9301 candidates filed their nominations. Of these, 667 were rejected and 4905 candidates withdrew their candidature. In Vidhan Sabha election in year 1990, the number of candidates exceeded the number of candidates in the fray in all these 7 elections.
In that election, 4216 candidates had tried their luck. Of these, 4066 were male and 150 female candidates. In all, 10 thousand 982 nominations were filed. Of these, 771 nominations were rejected and 5995 candidates withdrew their candidature.
Similarly, there were 2450 candidates in Vidhan Sabha elections in year 1985 including 2374 male and 76 female ones. In all, 6192 candidates filed their nomination papers. Of these, 181 were rejected and 2430 candidates withdrew their candidature. Incidentally, the counting date for Vidhan Sabha elections in 2008 and 2013 is the same December 8. Polling for 2008 election was held on November 27 and 2103 November 25.