Power will be main issue in next UP polls: BJP

Allahabad, May 9 (UNI) Lambasting the Uttar Pradesh government over the prevailing power crisis, BJP today claimed that power would be the main issue in the next state assembly elections.

Talking to UNI here, state BJP president Kesari Nath Tripathi alleged that big industrial houses were involved in power theft in connivance with the UP Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL).

''Crores of rupees as power dues are pending for realisation, while the government has not taken any steps to check power theft, arrear realisation and proper distribution of electricity.'' He charged that Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav had befooled the masses by giving false assurance of uninterrupted power supply.

''Ambanis are yet to start work on the establishment of a gas based power plant at Dadri in Ghaziabad.'' Further, the BJP leader claimed that the Mulayam government had handed over prime land of farmers on throwaway prices to Ambanis, which would later be used for commercial purposes.

Commenting on tarrif, he said the policy of fixed charges must go and sought to know why people should pay if they were not getting power supply.

''Development has come to a standstill and there is total anarchy in the state. The law and order situation is at its lowest ebb...people are fed up with the current regime.'' Mr Tripahti also feared that if state assembly polls were held under the Mulayam regime, it would not be a fair and free process.

''...only mafias and criminals will contest the election then.'' The UP BJP chief alleged government employees were working as SP agents. ''There is virtual rule of mafias in every field, whether education or health. Ministers have forged nexus with criminals.'' On the Rae Bareli bypoll voting yesterday, Mr Tripathi said there was an atmosphere of terror and fear. ''Congress took the help of criminals in the voting process.'' UNI JL VS PK HS1812