With 19 candidates retreating from electoral contest, a total of 674 candidates were in fray for the upcoming Delhi Assembly election on the last date for withdrawal of nominations on Saturday. According to reports, the Election Commission had found nominations of 693 candidates valid.
Around four nominations, two each from Najafgarh and Bijwasan were withdrawn in South-West district with 86 candidates now in fray in the district. Two nominations -- one each from Chhatarpur and Kalkaji -- were withdrawn from the South district leaving 67 candidates in fray in South district. From North-West, two nominations were withdrawn in Narela assembly segment. All withdrawn candidates were Independents. A total of 71 candidates are in the poll battle.
Out of total 71 in fray in North-East, two candidates withdrew their nominations from Mustafabad constituency. In West district, total 75 candidates are now contesting elections with four nominations having been withdrawn. Two nominations were withdrawn from Vikaspuri and one each from Janak Puri and Nangloi Jat.
North district now has 89 candidates in fray. One nomination of an Independent candidate was taken back from Timarpur. In New Delhi, there are a total 70 candidates after withdrawal of three nominations from Jangpura, RK Puram and Greater Kailash.
Delhi Chief Electoral Officer Chandra Bhushan Kumar directed the DMRC that fair opportunities should be given to various political parties and candidates while providing space for political advertisement on the DMRC paid and commercial sites
He also directed the Transport authorities that fair opportunities should be given to various political parties while providing space for political advertisements on public utility vehicles.
The CEO instructed the DMRC to issue necessary directions to the contractor of feeder buses to remove political advertisement, displayed on the feeder buses as per agreement signed by the DMRC with the contractors (bus operators) of metro feeder buses.
A total number of 1,616 hoardings have been removed from public property till date, whereas a total of 118 FIR’s are lodged till January 23. A total of 91 hoardings (defacements) of private property were taken off. These are in addition to the removal being done by the local bodies.