PDF to contest 147 seats in UP assembly elections

Kanpur, June 24 (UNI) Newly-formed People's Democratic Front (PDF) will contest 147 seats in the 2007 Uttar Pradesh assembly polls.

Front president Maulana Kalbe Jawwad told newspersons here today, PDF would seek the support of all ''like minded parties'' to contest the assembly elections early next year.

He also claimed the support of a number of Muslim organisations and political parties. ''PDF will give 25 per cent tickets to women members.'' Mr Jawwad has appealed to like minded parties to join hands with the PDF to defeat forces, who are ''encouraging casteism and religious fundamentalism to enrich their vote bank.'' The Shia cleric said his party was trying to get the support of the Imam of Jama Masjid, despite ''some minor differences.'' UNI KSP VS MA RK2052