The Election Commission of India announced the closure of nominations for the upcoming Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry, as well as bypolls in four states. A total of 4,019 nominations were submitted, with 2,511 candidates vying for positions. Kerala led with 2,117 nominations and 1,252 candidates, followed by Assam with 1,388 nominations and 817 candidates, and Puducherry with 514 nominations and 442 candidates.
In the by-elections, 106 nominations were filed for five Assembly constituencies across Goa, Karnataka, Nagaland, and Tripura, with 73 candidates in contention. Karnataka showed the most activity with 71 nominations for two seats. The polling for these seats is scheduled for April 9, with the nomination deadline set for March 23.
The Election Commission stated that the scrutiny of nomination papers would occur on March 24, and the deadline for the withdrawal of candidature is March 26 at 3 p.m. Candidates are required to submit an affidavit in Form 26 along with their nomination papers, disclosing information on criminal cases, assets, liabilities, educational qualifications, and official social media handles. Candidates with criminal backgrounds must also publicize these details in newspapers and on television thrice during the campaign period.
