21 candidates file papers, many aspirants in dilemma

By Our Staff Reporter

BANGALORE, OCT. 17. The filing of nominations in the elections to Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP) scheduled for November 11, began on a sedate note here on Wednesday with only 21 candidates filing their papers. Aspirants were found to be waiting for an ``auspicious hour'' to file their papers.

Only five aspirants from the Congress filed their papers on Wednesday. As many as four candidates from the BJP, three from the JD(S) and nine from other parties filed their papers, Dr. K.N.Chandrashekar, BMP Deputy Commissioner (Administration), who is also incharge of the elections, told The Hindu.

While, one set of nomination papers were received each from Kodandarampura, Cottonpet, Gali Anjaneya Swamy Temple, Padmanabhanagar, Ganesh Mandir, BTM Layout, Shantinagar, and Marutisevanagar, two aspirants from Chickpet, Azadnagar, and Madivala filed their papers. Four aspirants from Bapujinagar and three from Kamalanagar filed their papers, Dr. Chandrashekar said.

With all the major parties yet to decide on the choice of candidates, they (candidates) were not sure whether to contest on party ticket or as independents.

Superstitions have prompted the candidates to decide on an ``appropriate, auspicious time and date'' for filing the papers. Several corporators, inlcuding Mr. P.R.Ramesh, Leader of the Congress group in the Council, are likely to file their papers on Thursday as it happens to be ``bidege'', which according to the scriptures, is always the best day.

``Tuesday was a new moon day (amavasya). Today is `Navaratri padya', the first day of Navaratri. But, tomorrow being `bidege' and a Thursday too, is auspicious. Although time under the `Swathi Nakshatra' begins at 9.15 a.m., the nominations can be filed only from 11 a.m. So, I will sign the nomination papers at 9.30 a.m. and submit them at 11 a.m.,'' Mr. Ramesh told The Hindu.

As the ``Rahu Kala'' starts at 1.30 p.m. and ends at 3 p.m., aspirants may not file papers on Thursday afternoon, he added.

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