In the absence of finalization of party candidates by two major political parties in Himachal Pradesh i.e BJP and Congress the filing of nomination on the first day on Monday was quite sluggish .
Not many candidates turned up to file their nomination papers and at many places not even a single nomination was filed on the first day. In Mandi district no nomination paper was filed on the first day.
The election screening committees of BJP and Congress are undergoing marathon exercises in New Delhi to finalize the candidates to contest Assembly election keeping the ticket seekers and their supporters on tenterhook. Reaching consensus on candidates is proving to be very ticklish as the parties are trying hard to find winning candidates and contain rebels .
While BJP is trying to repeat its government in Himachal, Congress is also making every effort to regain power. In the absence of six time former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh , Congress is witnessing an intense power struggle among party leaders to be the next CM in case Congress gains majority in the state .
The nomination papers can be filed till October 25, except three day’s holiday on 22,23 and October 24 and both the BJP and the Congress leadership is likely to release the list of majority party candidates by Monday night or Tuesday.