BJP fields 148 candidates, Congress follows with 103

As the nomination process in the poll-bound Maharashtra came to a close on Tuesday, the ruling BJP has put up candidates on 148 Assembly seats in the politically important state, the highest among half a dozen major political parties in the ruling and Opposition camps. The BJP is followed by the Congress which is contesting 103 seats.

Nearly 8,000 candidates, including those from major political parties in the ruling Mahayuti as well as the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), filed nominations for the 288 Assembly seats.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena has fielded candidates in 80 seats, while Deputy CM Ajit Pawar's NCP has nominated 53 contestants for the November 20 polls. Five seats were given to other Mahayuti allies while no decision was taken on two segments.