Chattisgarh polls: 54 candidates file papers for 2nd phase

RAIPUR: As many as 54 candidates filed their nominations today for the second phase of Chhattisgarh Assembly polls slated on November 19.

With this, the total number of contestants having filed their papers in last three days has reached 73.

Seventy two constituencies spread over 16 districts of the state will go to polls in the second phase.

"On Monday, 54 nominations were filed for twelve constituencies," Chief Electoral Officer Sunil Kujur told reporters this evening.

Prominent among those who filed their papers today are former Speaker of Chhattisgarh Assembly Premprakash Pandey and state spokesperson Srichand Sundarani -- both from BJP -- and Badruddin Kureshi of Congress.

Kureshi had defeated Pandey in 2008 polls from Bhilai Nagar constituency, which he has retained this time as well.

Sundarani will contest from Raipur city north seat.