New Delhi, May 9 -- A total of 695 candidates are in the fray across 49 constituencies spread over eight states and Union territories in the upcoming fifth phase of the Lok Sabha polls on May 20, the Election Commission (EC) said on Wednesday.
The figure emerged after the scrutiny of 1,586 nomination forms filed for the fifth phase of the ongoing polls. Of the nominations, 749 were found to be valid after the deadline for filing papers closed on May 3, according to a statement issued by the EC.
The statement said 695 candidates will contest the polls from eight states and Union territories in the fifth phase.
Maharashtra topped the list with 512 nominations, resulting in 301 valid candidates contesting across 13 constituencies, while Utt...