A total 965 nomination papers have been filed for the first phase of the assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh.

As many as 656 nomination papers were filed on Tuesday, the last day of filing nominations for the first phase polls to be held on April seven in 62 assembly constituencies spread over 13 districts, official sources said in Lucknow.

Prominent among those who filed their nominations on Monday included Samajwadi Party president and Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav from Bhartana in Etawah district.

Nomination papers will be scrutinised on March 21 while names could be withdrawn by March 23.

Thirty-five nominations were filed for the second phase polling to be held on April 13 taking the total number to 40, election office sources said. The nomination for the second phase could be filed till March 24.