GWMC polls: 502 candidates in fray; TRS, BJP to contest all 66 divisions

TRS and BJP are contesting all the seats, while Congress is contesting 65 seats. CPI and CPM are contesting 16 divisions, while TDP is contesting 13. Around 39 candidates from other parties and 238 independents are also in the fray.

Among those who dropped out include 111 from the BJP, 68 from the Congress, 299 from the TRS, two from the TDP, two from the Left, and nine from other parties. Around 109 independents also dropped out.

TRS leaders maintained secrecy over their final list of candidates till the last minute. B-forms were issued to 18 candidates on Wednesday and 48 candidates on Thursday.

With more than one nomination being filed from each division, MLAs and in-charges came under intense pressure. They were only able to provide B-forms to candidates just an hour before the withdrawal of nominations.

TRS rebel candidates withdrew their candidature in few divisions. In some divisions, official TRS candidates were not able to convince the rebels to withdraw.

Most of the TRS sitting corporators did not get tickets. Some sitting corporators fielded family members to contest due to reservations.

TRS and Congress, in particular, have a lot of rebel leaders contesting against the official candidates.