Lucknow, Mar 22 (UNI) As many as four nomination papers were withdrawn for the first phase of Uttar Pradesh elections in the 62 assembly constituencies spread over 13 districts on April 7.

Now, a total of 904 candidates are in fray for the first phase of polls and the last date for withdrawal of nominations will end tomorrow at 1500 hrs.

Of the four withdrawals, one each were reported from Agra East, Rajpur, Sarvankhera and Derapur. Yesterday, nomination papers of 53 candidates were rejected during scrutiny in the first phase.

For the Bilhaur Lok Sabha by-elections to be held along with the first phase of polling, 12 candidates are in fray with none withdrawing the papers today.

Meanwhile, for the second phase of polling in the 58 assembly seats in 10 districts, where polling is slated on April 13, 97 candidates filed their nomination papers today. Now, a total of 246 candidates are in fray in the second phase so far.

Prominent among those, who filed their nominations are rebel Samajwadi Party Minister Haij Yakoob from Meerut as UDF candidate, SP Minister Shahid Manjoor from Kithore and rebel RLD MLA Samarpal Singh of SP from Barnawa.

Candidates can file their nominations till March 24, while scrutiny will be done on March 26 in the second phase. Nomination can be withdrawn till March 28.

Tomorrow, the notification for the third phase of election in the 57 assembly seats in 10 districts would be issued where polling is scheduled on April 18.

UNI