Rae Bareli bypoll will be historic in UP polity: Apna Dal

Lucknow, May 7 (UNI) Claiming that the Rae Bareli bypoll will be an ''epoch making exercise'' in Uttar Pradesh politics, Apna Dal national chief Sonelal Patel today said it would pave the way for the emergence of an alternative to the BSP and Samajwadi Party in the state.

''Since the Congress and BJP are almost non-existent in UP, we are trying to forge an alternative to SP and BSP, which have become synonmous with corruption and muscle power,'' Dr Patel said here.

The former BSP leader, who quit the party and formed Apna Dal in 1995, is hopeful of giving a tough fight to Congress president Sonia Gandhi, who is seeking re-election from the Rae Bareli Lok Sabha constituency.

Apna Dal has fielded political novice Prabha Singh Lodh from the high profile segment. Her candidature is supported by expelled BJP leader and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Uma Bharti.

''Our direct fight is with the Congress in the bypoll,'' Dr Patel asserted and alleged that the BJP and SP were working in connivance with the Congress to stall the prospects of Apna Dal nominee.

''Both these parties have fielded backward candidates to eat into our votes, while BSP president Mayawati is directly helping the Congress by not contesting the bypoll to keep the party in good humour in the wake of corruption charges against her,'' he claimed.

''Ms Mayawati rose from the ranks, but after tasting power, she has forsaken the ideals of public life and is now neck deep in corruption,'' the Apna Dal chief added.

Mr Patel was addressing a meeting of Apna Dal office-bearers here. Party's national general secretary and spokesman Pradeep Srivastava was also present.

Lambasting the UP government, Mr Patel alleged that the law and order situation was in tatters and the mafia was calling the shots.

''There is total anarchy in the state and criminal elements are occupying at high posts in the Mulayam Singh Yadav government.'' Meanwhile, Apna Dal will launch a membership drive in the state later this month to enroll five lakh active members.

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