Withdrawal of nominations for Assembly elections in Maharashtra and Haryana ended today.

In Maharashtra, at least three thousand and 28 candidates will be in the fray. Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Additional Chief Electoral Officer Dilip Shinde said, the figure does not include the candidates contesting from Buldana, Satara and Pune districts as that list is still being compiled.

The Congress and NCP today released a joint manifesto in Mumbai. The manifesto promises  5,000 rupees monthly allowance to educated unemployed, complete and immediate loan waiver to farmers and 80 per cent of jobs to locals in new industries.

Out of the total 288 seats, the Congress is contesting on 144 while the NCP is contesting on 122 leaving the other seats to smaller parties.

In Haryana, former state Finance Minister and senior Congress leader Prof. Sampat Singh has resigned from the party. Addressing media in Hisar, Mr Singh accused the Congress leaders of selling tickets and fencing seats in the state.

AIR correspondent reports that campaigning has picked up in Haryana. The two states will go to the polls on the 21st of this month. Voting will take place for 288 assembly constituencies in Maharashtra and 90 seats in Haryana. Counting of votes will be held on the 24th of October.