As many as 12,667 persons have filed nomination papers for 3,589 seats of 254 Gram Panchayats for polls in Hassan district on May 29.
On an average at least three candidates are in the fray for each seat. Monday was the last to file the papers for the first phase of poll.
According to statistics provided by the district administration, 5,622 seats are reserved for women. Among the eight taluks, the highest number of nomination papers have been filed in Hassan taluk, which consists of 35 gram panchayats. As many as 2,253 are in the fray for 606 seats in the taluk. The least number of papers are filed in Alur taluk, which consists of only 14 gram panchayats with 192 seats. Interestingly, there are no candidates for 14 seats in the district. May 21 is the last day to withdraw nomination papers.
Three major political parties, for this year's GP elections are Congress, BJP and Janata Dal (Secular). During the elections held in 2010, the JD(S) supporters had won almost 60 per cent of seats, claim party leaders. The Congress, according its leaders, secured 40 per cent seats. The BJP, which increased its members’ strength to 3.10 lakh from 45,000, during the membership drive is hoping to do well.
