Hyderabad, Nov 10th: Both the ruling Congress as well as the main opposition Telugu Desam Party were faced with rebel problems as unsuccessful party ticket aspirants continued to remain in the fray as the deadline for withdrawal of nominations ended at 1500 hrs on Tuesday. According to reports received by the election authorities from 13 divisions till 1900 hrs, 507 of the 2,303 candidates, whose nominations were found in order, withdrew their candidature. A maximum of 37 candidates were in the fray in Moosapet, an unreserved ward, while only two candidates each were in the contest in Falaknuma and Nawab Sahib Kunta, both seats reserved for BC women, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation officials said.

Congress rebels remained in the contest in as many as 80 wards. TDP President N Chandrababu Naidu's announcement to suspend rebels had little effect they were in the fray in more than 50 wards. Electoral seat adjustment with the CPI and CPI (M) did not materialise in scores of wards. The All India Majilis-e-Itihadul Muslimeen, which has a strong presence in the city, is contesting on its own in 70 wards. The BJP and the Lok Satta Party, which were fighting the elections on their own had fielded candidates in all the wards, while the Praja Rajyam Party of actor-politician Chiranjeevi is contesting in 50 wards.