A total of 583 nominations have been filed in the district for its four local bodies, as Monday was the last date for filing nominations. The nominations include 210 from BJP and 205 from Congress, thus indicating a stiff competition in BJP and Congress contingents for official candidature.

A total of 191 candidates have filed nominations for 35 wards in Udupi City Municipal Council, which is a record number in the entire district. The nominations include 77 from Congress, 63 from BJP, 34 from JD(S), 13 from independent candidates and 4 from Samajwadi Party.

In Kundapur Town Municipal Council, 178 candidates have filed nominations for 23 wards, out of which 59 from Congress, 72 from BJP, 23 from JD(S), 10 from independent candidates and 14 from CPM.

In Karkala Town Municipal Council, 146 nominations have been submitted for 23 wards including 35 from Congress, 59 from BJP, 25 from JD(S) and 27 from independent candidates.

In Saligrama Town Panchayat, a total of 68 nominations have been filed from 145 wards, which include 34 from Congress, 16 from BJP and 18 from independent candidates. September 20 is the last date to withdraw nominations, only after which one can get the actual picture of the contest.

Stiff competition
As  there is clear indication of stiff competition from both BJP and Congress for the actual candidature, there are also chances of having more rebellion candidates. However, JD(S) is planning strategies to obtain the benefit of this situation.

Though nominations have been filed on behalf of JD(S), chances are obvious for last minute changes. The party may support the rebellion candidates too. The candidates said to have received specific instructions from the leaders in this regard.

JD(S) candidates filed nominations followed by massive processions, which featured attractions like keelu kudure, huli vesha and yaskshagana characters. The party leaders Devi Prasad Shetty, Vasudev Rao, Shanaz Banu, Usha Nayak and B Nandakumar were present.