The filing of nominations for the February 21 Assembly elections in Uttarakhand [ Images ] began on Thursday, with the issuance of notification in this regard.

"The notification for the February 21 elections has been issued," Chief Electoral Officer N Ravishanker said.

The last date of the filing of nominations will be February 1 and scrutiny would take place on February 2.

The last date for withdrawal of nominations is February 5 and polling will be held on February 21. The counting will take place on February 27.

A total of 70 Assembly seats are up for grabs in the ensuing elections with the ruling Congress and the main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party [ Images ] being considered front runners to capture power.