The sole nomination for the day was that of independent candidate Jaganath from Sadar Bazaar, Assembly constituency no: 64. None of the parties have finalised their lists of candidates.

While the central selection committee of the BJP is scheduled to meet in Delhi between November 1 and 3, the screening committee of the Congress is giving final touches to its list.

EC officials say there has been a fall in the number of independent candidates. ``The number of independent candidates prior to 1996 was definitely more than what it is expected to be now,'' said O.P. Kelkar, Chief Electoral Officer for Delhi.

Which means people, like the legendary Kaka Joginder Singh `Dhartipakad', who religiously contest elections will be put off this year round. The `dissuading' factor may be the high nomination fee. A general category candidate is supposed to pay Rs 5,000, while an SC/ST candidate pays Rs 2,500 as security deposit with the nomination. The measure came in 1996 and it was meant to prevent non-serious candidates from applying.

That is why only one candidate had filed his papers on the first day. And according to EC old-timers, independent candidates usually file on the first day. The last two days are always hectic with 80 per cent of nominations being filed then.

``The candidates are now preparing their affidavits and certificates,'' said G Khohar, Joint Chief Electoral Officer. They have been asked to file an affidavit to ensure that convicted persons -- who do not qualify according to provisions of Section 8 of the Representation of People Act, 1951 -- do not enter the fray.

Willful defiance and refusal to file the affidavit will result in its rejection.

The last day for filing nominations is November 6. The scrutiny of the nominations will be done on November 7. The last day for withdrawal of candidature is November 9. A 24-hour control room has been set up to monitor the election process.