196 candidates in fray for 3rd phase of polling in Maharashtra

As many as 196 candidates remained in fray for the third phase of polling in Maharashtra where ten Parliamentary constituencies in Mumbai and Thane go to polls on April 30.
 
On Friday was the last date of withdrawal of nomination papers for six constituencies in Mumbai and four in neighboring Thane, election officials said here.
 
The highest number of candidates were 30 for Thane Parliamentary seat followed by 23 each for Mumbai North and Mumbai South Central Lok Sabha constituencies, the said.

There are 21 candidates in fray for Mumbai North West, 20 each in fray for Mumbai South and Kalyan, 16 each for Bhiwandi and Mumbai North East, 19 for Mumbai North central and eight for Palghar.
 
The fate of Congress candidates and sitting MPs Priya Dutt, Milind Deora, Eknath Gaikwad, BJP ex-MPs Kirit Somaiya and Ram Naik will be sealed in the third phase of polling.

Counting of votes will be held on May 16.